Cultural fest near Badrinath shrine faces backlash over loud music

…a cultural programme. Widespread criticism Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, said sages and ascetics had established strict norms of peace and restraint around the Badrinath shrine. “ Even blowing a conch is prohibited in the area so that the meditation of Lord Vishnu is not disturbed. The present administration is disturbing the religious atmosphere of the sacred space by allowing loud DJ and vulgar performances ,” he said, demanding that such events be prohibited at the shrine. Brijesh Sati, general secretary of the Uttarakhand Teerth Purohits Samiti, said the Army had organised a similar event at Badrinath in April, before…

…Sati, general secretary of the Uttarakhand Teerth Purohits Samiti, said the Army had organised a similar event at Badrinath in April, before the temple portals opened, which the priest community had also opposed. “ As per the mythology, no human movement is allowed in the town before the portals of the shrine are opened... We cannot put the entire onus on the Army as the permission is granted by the government ,” he said. Uttarakhand-based activist Anoop Nautiyal said activities that conflict with local tradition should be discussed with stakeholders in advance, calling the event “an unprecedented... condemnable violation of…

…in advance, calling the event “an unprecedented... condemnable violation of religious tradition.” Congress spokesperson Garima Dasauni questioned the use of commercial entertainment at the pilgrimage site: “ The government must clarify where it draws the line between tourism promotion and commercialisation. ” Authorities’ response The Chamoli district administration said it had only permitted a stall as part of the fair and was not informed about the DJ performance. “The District Administration has written a letter to the…