A two‑day cultural festival near the Badrinath shrine has triggered sharp backlash after videos of a loud, concert‑style “Bhajan Jamming” session went viral on social media.

Held on September 19–20 at the Tourist Arrival Plaza adjoining the temple, the event was themed “Our Heritage, Our Future” and organised at an altitude of over 10,200 feet. The Chamoli district administration and Uttarakhand Tourism Department attributed the festival’s organisation to the Indian Army.

However, the celebrations drew criticism from Jyotirmath Shankaracharya, who condemned the use of DJ music and what he described as indecent performances near one of Hinduism’s holiest shrines, part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Local stakeholders and the Opposition Congress also raised objections, arguing that the event violated religious norms and disturbed the sanctity of the temple town.

The controversy has reignited debates over balancing modern cultural expressions with traditional religious sensitivities, especially in sacred spaces like Badrinath.