The Kunjapuri Fair, a pillar of Uttarakhand’s Tehri district culture, drew a throng of devotees for its Navratri celebrations when local MLA Subodh Uniyal stepped onto the stage. He announced the program’s dedication to Goddess Durga and accused the popular Punjabi singer of performing while intoxicated, demanding that he cease immediately. The singer’s attempt to interject was cut short when Uniyal stood beside him and repeated the request to stop "after drinking alcohol," a statement that echoed the minister’s insistence on decorum.
The incident, captured on multiple smartphones, went viral within hours, trending across several social‑media platforms under hashtags such as #KunjapuriFair and #DalerMehndi. Fans of the singer praised his performance, while many locals expressed that the minister was upholding religious sanctity. A spokesperson for Mehndi’s management said the artist was unaware of any alcohol consumption and would cooperate with investigators.
Political observers have highlighted the fine line between cultural expression and religious propriety during festivals. The Uttarakhand government has yet to issue a formal statement, but the state’s Home Department is reportedly reviewing the event’s security protocols. Public reaction on the ground was mixed; some villagers called for a boycott of the event, while others urged the minister to exercise restraint.
The next step will likely involve a review meeting between the state’s cultural affairs department and the legislative assembly to draft clearer guidelines for performers during Navratri. The incident also raises questions about the role of elected officials in policing entertainment at public festivals.