Row erupts over Daler Mehndi’s performance at Kunjapuri Fair in Uttarakhand

A controversy erupted during the cultural evening of the historic ‘Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair’ in Uttarakhand’s New Tehri on Sunday night (October 18, 2026), involving a performance by Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi.

During the event, Cabinet Minister and Narendra Nagar MLA Subodh Uniyal took to the stage to express his displeasure with the singer’s performance. A video of the incident went viral on social media on Monday (October 19).

The issue started over whether the singer was performing live or relying on a background soundtrack. Mr. Uniyal stepped onto the stage and told the singer that the people had come to hear him, and therefore, the performance should meet the expected standard and uphold the dignity of the stage.

Referencing the fact that the event was taking place during the religious period of Navratri, he emphasised the need to maintain the decorum of the occasion.

Questioning the performance, the Minister asked whether the singer could not even speak properly, then how could he sing. This led to an awkward situation on stage for a brief time.

The Minister alleged that the singer was inebriated, however, the allegations could not be confirmed.

The Kunjapuri fair is a significant event rooted in religious faith and cultural traditions.