Army-Backed Cultural Event at Badrinath Sparks Row Over Loud Music at Sacred Shrine

A two-day cultural festival organised by the Indian Army under Operation Sadhbhawna at Badrinath has drawn criticism from religious leaders, local stakeholders and the Opposition Congress. The event, themed "Our Heritage, Our Future", featured folk singer Priyanka Meher and concert-style music performances near the shrine, with videos showing attendees dancing.

Religious leaders objected to the loud music programme at the revered Char Dham shrine. Brijesh Sati, general secretary of Char Dham Teerth Purohit Mahapanchayat, said Lord Vishnu is in a meditative posture at Badrinath and loud noise is forbidden. "We do not even blow conch shells here due to environmental concerns and local beliefs. Playing loud music at the entrance plaza is completely unacceptable," Sati stated. The Jyotirmath Shankaracharya also criticised the use of DJ music and performances at the sacred site.