Uttarakhand: Playing Drums in Kedarnath Dham Appropriate? Questions Raised After Video of Priest Throwing Drums Goes Viral

As soon as the doors of Kedarnath opened, there was a flood of faith. Lakhs of devotees have had darshan of Baba Kedar. While on one side there is a crowd of devotees, on the other side YouTubers and many other such youths are also gathering in Kedarnath. Who are busy attracting the attention of the devotees with music and musical instruments.

A video is going viral on social media. In which a local priest reprimanded the youth playing the drums and said that such a spectacle will not happen in Kedarnath.

हम पिछले साल से ऐसी तमाशा देख रहे हैं। मन नही था कुछ बोलने का लेकिन अब हद हो गई है। ये जो हो रहा है वो पागलपन है।

परेशानी न इन भाइयों से है और न इनके ढोल ताशे से। परेशानी सिर्फ इनकी केदारनाथ धाम मे इस हरकत से है। इन ढोल नगाड़ो का हमारे धामो के साथ कोई इतिहास नही। यह षड्यंत्र है। pic.twitter.com/0GkmMUzzmO

— Himalayan Hindu (@himalayanhindu) May 14, 2024

A video showing a priest throwing drums in Kedarnath Dham has sparked a debate about the changing nature of the holy pilgrimage site. The concerns of environmentalists and local residents regarding the use of drums, cymbals, and other loud instruments during prayers.

Traditionally known for its peace and tranquility, Kedarnath Dham is a revered Hindu pilgrimage destination in the Himalayas. The use of loud instruments is a recent phenomenon and disrupts the spiritual sanctity besides causing noise pollution.

Another reason for concern is the fragile ecosystem of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to endangered species like the snow leopard and the Himalayan musk deer. The loud noises are seen as a threat to the wildlife and the delicate balance of the region.

Also Read | Char Dham Yatra Chaos: Ten Pilgrims Die in Four Days Amid Traffic Hurdles and Long Queues.

It also raises questions about the commercialization of religious sites. The branding on the drums in the video suggests that these practices might be driven by profit motives rather than religious devotion. 

Local geologists and environmentalists have expressed their disapproval of the situation. They argue that the use of heavy machinery during construction work and the introduction of loud music violate the cultural and environmental ethos of Kedarnath Dham.