📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Roman Raghu Shrestha
Religion
Backlash Over ‘Bhajan Jamming’ at Cultural Fest Near Badrinath Shrine
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 24 Sep 2026, 11:37 AM
👁 75
A cultural festival held near the Badrinath shrine has drawn criticism for featuring ‘Bhajan jamming’, which some view as a breach of religious norms.
The cultural program, organized close to the Badrinath shrine in Uttarakhand, showcased a range of performances aimed at promoting regional art and music. Among the acts, a segment labeled ‘Bhajan jamming’ blended traditional devotional songs with contemporary musical styles.
The inclusion of this fusion piece sparked discontent among a section of devotees who consider the format a deviation from the sanctity of bhajans. Critics argue that the experimental rendition undermines the reverence traditionally associated with worship songs performed near a sacred site.
Local religious groups and some pilgrims have voiced their concerns publicly, calling for stricter adherence to established norms at events held in the vicinity of the shrine. While organizers have not issued a detailed statement, they acknowledge the feedback and say they will review the program to ensure respect for local customs.
The inclusion of this fusion piece sparked discontent among a section of devotees who consider the format a deviation from the sanctity of bhajans. Critics argue that the experimental rendition undermines the reverence traditionally associated with worship songs performed near a sacred site.
Local religious groups and some pilgrims have voiced their concerns publicly, calling for stricter adherence to established norms at events held in the vicinity of the shrine. While organizers have not issued a detailed statement, they acknowledge the feedback and say they will review the program to ensure respect for local customs.