New Delhi: The decision to permit a music event, including a DJ concert, at Badrinath Dham has drawn criticism, with concerns being raised over the cultural and spiritual sanctity of the Himalayan shrine.
Veteran BJP leader and former Party President Dr Murli Manohar Joshi said that allowing such an event was not only a violation of the cultural traditions associated with Badrinath Dham but also a direct affront to the sanctity of the revered pilgrimage site.
Referring to the religious history of Badrinath, the statement said that the shrine was established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the Himalayan environment as a place dedicated to peaceful worship and devotion. It further pointed out that even the blowing of conch shells is traditionally prohibited at the site, questioning the decision to organise loud music and entertainment events there.
Reports from Joshimath have raised serious questions about a controversial event organised at a site of religious significance. According to local reports, the so-called “cultural” event was organised in partnership with the Chamoli District Magistrate’s administration and a local Indian Army unit.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was present at the event, which was also attended by senior tourism officials and other government bureaucrats.
Local residents have alleged that a large number of participants, including some government officials, were under the influence of alcohol during the event. These allegations, however, would require independent verification.
The event has drawn strong criticism from local residents, as well as panda-purohits and other members of the local religious community. They have questioned the decision to hold such an event at a site considered sacred and have also expressed dismay over the Chief Minister’s presence there.
For many residents, the incident has caused particular shock because of the religious significance of the location. They have demanded accountability from the organisers and sought clarification from the administration about the circumstances under which the event was permitted and conducted.
Dr Joshi a top cabinet colleagues of Atal Behari Bajpai also raised concerns about the environmental and health implications of such events, particularly given Badrinath’s high-altitude location. It argued that large gatherings involving dancing and loud music could have health implications for visitors while also placing additional pressure on the fragile Himalayan environment.
Vetern leader who was born in Uttarakhnd further alleged that such events reflected a broader shift towards turning Devbhoomi Uttarakhand into a commercialised tourist destination at the cost of its spiritual and cultural identity.
The statement appealed to followers of Indian culture, particularly religious leaders, Shankaracharyas and saints, to raise their voices against what was described as the erosion of traditional values.
Dr Joshi also urged both the Central and Uttarakhand governments to reconsider and restrict such events in order to preserve the cultural and spiritual character of Devbhoomi.
Describing the Himalayas as sacred land associated with Lord Shiva and the source of the Ganga, Joshi said that turning such locations into entertainment venues could deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of devotees across India.
Umakant Lakhera is a Senior Journalist and Political Commentator
