An unexpected and sensational incident came to light during the historical and Siddhapeeth Shri Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair located at Narendranagar in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. There was a huge uproar on the cultural stage of the fair when Uttarakhand government cabinet minister and local MLA Subodh Uniyal stopped the live performance of famous Punjabi pop singer Daler Mehndi midway. In this grand religious and cultural program organized on the auspicious occasion of Navratri, the minister directly climbed the stage and in a strong tone objected to the singer’s performance.
During the ceremony, when Daler Mehndi was presenting his songs, Minister Subodh Uniyal, who reached the stage, stopped him and said, “Aapse bola to ja nahi raha hai, what song will you sing?” After this, while addressing thousands of people present there, he clarified that Kunjapuri fair is a religious event related to the worship of Maa Durga and the sacred faith of Shardiya Navratri. In such a situation, it is mandatory for any artist to take full care of the dignity and religious decorum of this stage.
According to local eyewitnesses and people present there, the controversy started after Daler Mehndi was allegedly in an inebriated state, due to which the minister himself had to intervene. However, there has been no official or independent confirmation of the claims of the singer being drunk, nor has there been any clear reaction from the singer’s team. But seeing the sharp objection of the minister and the seriousness of the atmosphere, Daler Mehndi apologized from the stage itself with folded hands to the crowd gathered there.
It is noteworthy that Siddhapeeth Shri Kunjapuri Fair was celebrating its 50th golden jubilee this time. Starting from the first day of Shardiya Navratri, this festival continues for nine days, from folk artists to Bollywood celebrities have been giving their performances. But after this incident, a new debate broke out between the devotees who came to the fair and the local residents regarding faith, art and public decorum. While many supported the minister’s move to maintain the sanctity of the religious platform, the incident also added a bittersweet twist to the memories of the festival.