BJP veteran Joshi calls for ban on concert-style event at Badrinath
Veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi has criticised a music event organised by the Indian Army near the Badrinath temple, calling it incompatible with the shrine’s traditions and religious character. He urged the central and Uttarakhand governments to prohibit similar events at the Himalayan pilgrimage site.
Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader Murli Manohar Joshi has urged the Indian and Uttarakhand governments to ban concert-style events at Badrinath after criticism of a music programme held near the shrine. Joshi described the “Bhajan Jamming” event as a violation of Badrinath’s cultural traditions and religious sanctity. The programme, organised under the theme “Our Heritage, Our Future”, took place on September 19 and 20 at the Tourist Arrival Plaza adjoining the temple.
The Chamoli district administration and Uttarakhand Tourism Department attributed the event’s organisation to the Indian Army. The shrine is located at an altitude of more than 10,200 feet, according to the report. In a post on X, Joshi said a loud musical event at the Himalayan shrine amounted to an assault on the faith of devotees.
He argued that the site was established for peaceful devotion and said the event disregarded India’s spiritual, cultural and environmental values. Joshi also raised concerns about people dancing at high altitude, citing possible adverse effects on their health. He criticised what he called the conversion of the state’s sacred areas into centres of commercial culture.
The BJP leader called on the central government and the Uttarakhand administration to prohibit similar programmes and preserve the spiritual character of the state. His comments added to criticism already voiced by religious figures, local stakeholders and opposition Congress leaders. Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, was among the religious leaders reported to have questioned the event.
Critics focused on whether concert-style entertainment was appropriate at one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimage sites. The source material does not report a government decision on Joshi’s demand or any response from the Indian Army to the criticism. The controversy therefore remains centred on the event’s suitability and the balance between heritage-themed public programmes and the religious character of Badrinath.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.