Dehradun/Mussoorie, Sept. 27 -- The Chamoli district administration has sought an explanation from the Garhwal Scouts, a specialised Indian Army scout unit, over a high-pitched musical festival held near Badrinath Dham on September 19 and 20. In a notice to the unit's commanding officer, District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said the administration had received complaints and social media reports about a large cultural festival near the shrine, attracting a crowd and using high-frequency sound systems. The notice said Badrinath Dham is a religious pilgrimage centre and such a gathering and sound were contrary to its dignity. "Such sound adversely affected the daily worship programmes at the shrine, caused displeasure among religious scholars and negatively impacted the image of the local administration", it said. The administration sought details on the rationale for the event and whether permission was obtained from the competent authority. It also directed that such incidents should not recur. Earlier, the administration banned events near Badrinath and other religious sites that compromise their sanctity through high-frequency sound. Prior permission from the local administration will now be mandatory. The action followed objections to the Devbhoomi Cultural Festival 2026. Teerth Shri Badri Dham Dharmic Panchayat president Ashutosh Dimri said future events should feature bhajan sandhyas or traditional performances....