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

Daler Mehndi. File | Photo credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

The controversy erupted on Sunday evening (October 18, 2026) during the cultural evening of the historic ‘Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair’ in Uttarakhand’s New Tehri, which included 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. 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 took the stage and told the singer that people came to listen to him and therefore the performance should live up to the expected standard and maintain the dignity of the stage.

Referring to the fact that the event was held during the religious season of Navratri, he stressed the need to maintain the decorum of the occasion.

When questioning the performance, the minister asked if the singer can’t even speak properly, then how can he sing. This led to an awkward situation on stage for a short time.

The minister claimed that the singer was drunk, but the allegations could not be confirmed.

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

Published – 19 Oct 2026 21:46 IST