Video of loud music and DJ at Badrinath Dham raises questions over site's sanctity

A video of singer Priyanka Meher performing at a cultural festival near Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand has drawn criticism on social media, with users questioning the use of loud music at a pilgrimage site.

The video showed Priyanka singing and dancing as an audience enjoyed the performance against the backdrop of the mountains.

Although the clip received praise on her social media profile, it drew a different response after it was shared on X. Several users questioned whether such a programme was appropriate at a place associated with pilgrimage and raised concerns about maintaining the sanctity of Badrinath Dham.

Some users also objected to the use of loud music, while others said certain pilgrimage sites should be kept untouched and should not host cultural programmes.

While the festival is officially centred on celebrating local culture and community participation, the video of Priyanka's performance has brought attention to the debate around holding such programmes at pilgrimage destinations.

The reactions on social media have largely focused on the setting of the performance, with users questioning whether loud music and cultural programmes should be part of the atmosphere around places of religious significance.

The performance was part of the two-day Devbhoomi Cultural Festival, which began in Badrinath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. The festival has been jointly organised by the Indian Army and the district administration under Operation Sadbhavana.

Held under the theme “Culture - Our Heritage, Our Future”, the festival aims to showcase the cultural traditions of Uttarakhand. The programme includes folk dances, folk music, handicrafts, local products and traditional cuisine.

Women’s self-help groups, artisans, farmers and young entrepreneurs have also set up stalls at the festival, showcasing and selling local products.- EndsPublished By: Srimoyee ChowdhuryPublished On: Sep 23, 2026 13:16 IST