States » NorthPosted at: Sep 29 2026 11:33PM


Uttarakhand minister declares that conch shell is 'made of bone' and not allowed inside Badrinath temple; invites widespread criticism

Prithviraj Singh
Dehradun, Sep 29 (UNI) Uttarakhand Tourism, Religion and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj has dismissed reports of a ban on music and cultural programs in the Badrinath Dham. However, his statement that blowing a Shankh (conch shell) inside the temple is not allowed for it is "made up of bone" has invited sharp criticism from local teerth purohits of Badrinath.
Responding to a media query referring to the question raised by former BJP president Murli Manohar Joshi over a music concert at the Badrinath Shrine campus, Satpal Maharaj stated that misleading information is being disseminated on social media after a video of a festival held at Badrinath Shrine campus went viral.
Maharaj clarified that claims of music, dance, or cultural programs being banned in Badrinath area were completely wrong and baseless.
"Blowing a conch shell is prohibited inside the Badrinath temple because it is made of bone, but there is no restriction on blowing it outside the temple premises," said Maharaj.
However, the Minister's statement of conch shell being made of bone invited sharp condemnation from the purohits and priests organisation at Badrinath.
Chardham Teerth Purohit Mahapanchayat(CTPM) has strongly condemned minister's statement.
Mahapanchayat General Secretary Brijesh Sati termed the minister's statement laughable pointing out that conch shells are traditionally blown at homes, temples and pilgrimage sites across the country.
Questioning Minister's view on formation of a conch shell, Sati said, "Wherefrom has the Maharaj who presents himself as a spiritual leader acquired such divine knowledge pertaining to the origin of conch shells."
The Minister stressed that traditionally the Indian Army band plays devotional tunes and sacred music at the time of opening of the portals of Badrinath Temple.
"Badrinath Dham is not just a temple, but is also regarded as 'Urvashi Peeth', where the deity is worshipped and praised through music. Music has been an integral part of the spiritual and Vedic tradition here. There is no ban on it. Traditional music and cultural events too happen during wedding ceremonies at Mana village for it's part of our Sanatan culture."
Maharaj further stated that such religious and cultural programs were organised at Badrinath Dham even in the previous governments.
The minister urged everyone to cooperate in maintaining the dignity of Devbhoomi. He claimed that the state government is committed to preserving the sanctity, traditions, and religious decorum of the chardham pilgrimage including Kedarnath and the other shrines.
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Uttarakhand minister declares that conch shell is 'made of bone' and not allowed inside Badrinath temple; invites widespread criticism

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Prithviraj Singh
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