Story perspectives

Chamoli bans music events near Badrinath after backlash

By Drooid · Sep 27, 2026, 4:14 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Chamoli Bans Events

Chamoli district administration banned events near Badrinath Dham following criticism of the Devbhoomi Cultural Festival.
Amplified music and a DJ set at the festival attracted criticism from priests and BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi.
Joshi posted on X that a concert at Badrinath breaches cultural and religious decorum.
District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar now requires prior permission from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate for events near Badrinath.

Summary

Swami Condemns Concert

Social media videos of the Badrinath concert spread online, prompting widespread criticism from priests and seers.
Religious leader Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati publicly denounced the event as disrespectful to the shrine.
Veteran BJP member Tarun Vijay said the government had not responded, echoing concerns.
The controversy sparked a broader public debate on holding modern cultural events near sacred Himalayan temples.

History

Historical Context

In December 1992, roughly 150,000 VHP and BJP supporters demolished the 16th-century Babri Masjid, triggering nationwide communal riots. The incident created a lasting pattern of Hindu nationalist groups confronting religious authorities over cultural activities. In 2024, the Devbhoomi Cultural Festival at Badrinath, with DJ mixes, angered priests, BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi and Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, echoing that historic clash.

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Chamoli Bans Events

Chamoli district administration banned events near Badrinath Dham following criticism of the Devbhoomi Cultural Festival.
Amplified music and a DJ set at the festival attracted criticism from priests and BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi.
Joshi posted on X that a concert at Badrinath breaches cultural and religious decorum.
District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar now requires prior permission from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate for events near Badrinath.

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