BJP Veteran Murli Manohar Joshi Demands Ban on Badrinath Shrine Concert
Veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi has criticised an Army-organised 'Bhajan Jamming' concert held at Badrinath shrine on September 19-20, calling it a violation of the temple's religious sanctity and urging the Centre and Uttarakhand government to ban such events.
Current Summary
According to a September 25 report by The Hindu, veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi has criticised a concert-style 'Bhajan Jamming' event organised by the Indian Army at Badrinath shrine, calling it a violation of the shrine's cultural traditions and religious sanctity. The event, held under the theme 'Our Heritage, Our Future' at the Tourist Arrival Plaza adjoining the Badrinath temple at over 10,200 feet, took place on September 19-20, 2026. The Chamoli district administration and Uttarakhand Tourism Department attributed the event's organisation to the Indian Army. Writing on X, Joshi said organising a loud musical event at the sacred Himalayan shrine amounted to an assault on the faith of millions of devotees, noting that the temple was established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya for peaceful devotion through hymns and that even conch shells are prohibited at the site. He said allowing large crowds to dance at high altitude also ignored adverse health risks, and accused authorities of turning Dev Bhoomi into a hub of commercial culture. Joshi has urged both the Centre and the Uttarakhand government to ban such events at the shrine.
What We Know
- The Army organised a 'Bhajan Jamming' concert-style event at Badrinath's Tourist Arrival Plaza on September 19-20, 2026, themed 'Our Heritage, Our Future'.
- The Chamoli district administration and Uttarakhand Tourism Department say the Indian Army organised the event.
- BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi has publicly condemned the event as a violation of the shrine's religious sanctity and cultural traditions.
- Joshi has urged the Centre and Uttarakhand government to ban such events at the shrine.
- Joshi also raised concerns about the health risks of large crowds dancing at over 10,200 feet altitude.
What Is Still Unclear
- Whether the Centre or Uttarakhand government will act on the demand for a ban.
- The Indian Army's response to the criticism.
- Whether any other religious or political groups have joined the criticism.
What Changed
- 26 Sept, 05:01 amSignal detected: BJP Veteran Murli Manohar Joshi Demands Ban on Badrinath Shrine Concert
Background
Badrinath, one of the four Char Dham shrines, follows strict traditional codes of conduct, including restrictions on loud instruments such as conch shells, reflecting its status as a site for quiet Vedic worship established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya.