Badrinath Cultural Fest Draws Backlash Over 'Bhajan Jamming'
A cultural festival near the Badrinath temple on September 19-20 has drawn backlash over 'bhajan jamming' and alleged violations of norms.
A two-day cultural festival held beside the Badrinath temple has run into controversy, with critics objecting to what has been described as "bhajan jamming" and to alleged violations of established norms at the site.
The event, organised around the theme "Our Heritage, Our Future", took place on September 19 and 20 at the Tourist Arrival Plaza adjoining the shrine. The Chamoli district administration and the Uttarakhand Tourism Department attributed the organisation of the festival to the Indian Army.
The gathering has prompted a backlash, with questions raised over the conduct of the programme and its adherence to rules governing activities near the temple. The objections centre on the nature of the musical proceedings and the norms that were said to have been breached.
The festival was framed as a celebration of heritage and the future, but the criticism has cast a shadow over the event and the arrangements around it. Authorities have yet to offer a detailed response to the concerns raised.