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Uttarakhand minister publicly criticizes Daler Mehndi's performance at temple fair

A performance by Punjabi music icon Daler Mehndi at the Kunjapuri Fair in Uttarakhand sparked controversy when a state cabinet minister took to the stage to express dissatisfaction with the artist's show.

LSN India · 19 October 2026

Uttarakhand minister publicly criticizes Daler Mehndi's performance at temple fair

The incident unfolded during the Kunjapuri Fair when Subodh Uniyal, the cabinet minister and MLA from Narendra Nagar, publicly voiced his displeasure with Daler Mehndi's performance at the event. The minister's unexpected intervention during the cultural program drew attention to questions about the quality and appropriateness of the entertainment provided at the fair.

Kunjapuri Fair, held at the revered Kunjapuri Devi Temple in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district, is a significant cultural and religious gathering that attracts devotees and visitors from across the region. The temple, situated at an altitude of over 1,600 meters, is one of the major pilgrimage sites in the state.

The controversy highlights ongoing debates in Uttarakhand about event management and cultural programming at major public gatherings. While details of the specific issues with the performance remain unclear, the minister's public criticism suggests significant gaps between organizer expectations and the actual execution of the entertainment component.

The incident raises questions about the vetting process for performers at state-sponsored cultural events and the mechanisms for addressing public concerns during live programs. Officials have not yet issued formal statements regarding the incident or potential implications for future event planning.