Hindu groups raise objections and call it a threat to Sanatan; the administration promises an inquiry after a video of prayers goes viral
NEW DELHI — A video showing Muslims offering Taraweeh prayers inside an under-construction municipal building in Jyotirmath, Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, has led to controversy, with local Hindu organisations demanding action and clearer rules on the use of public property.
The incident took place in Jyotirmath, also known as Joshimath, in the hill state of Uttarakhand, often described as ‘Dev Bhoomi’. The video, which has gone viral on social media, appears to show a group of Muslim men offering Taraweeh prayers during the holy month of Ramadan inside a building that is still under construction and belongs to the local municipal body.
In the clip, the person recording the video can be heard saying that he will make it viral. He questions how permission was granted for prayers and alleges that Hindu gatherings do not receive similar approval. After the video spread online, some local Hindu organisations staged protests, claiming that “Sanatan is in danger” and demanding an inquiry.
A delegation reportedly met Sub-Divisional Magistrate Chandrashekhar Vashishtha and sought clarification on whether permission had been granted for the congregational prayers. The SDM appealed for calm and said the administration would examine the matter. “All communities must maintain peace and harmony,” he said, assuring that the facts would be verified.
Some residents have also raised questions about the use of public or government buildings for religious activities. They have asked the administration to frame a clear policy to prevent disputes in the future.
However, legal experts have urged restraint. Senior Supreme Court advocate Niyaz Ahmed Saeedi said that offering prayers temporarily at a construction site does not automatically amount to a crime. “If the building belongs to the government, permission from the concerned authority should ideally have been taken,” he said. “But such matters are more about mutual understanding and social harmony than about serious criminal law.”
Local members of the Muslim community said the prayers were offered quietly and without any intention to provoke. One resident, requesting anonymity, said, “Ramadan is a sacred month for us. We only gathered for prayers. There was no political motive.”
The controversy comes amid earlier disputes in other states. In Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, police action was taken against people offering Friday prayers at a private house, but the Allahabad High Court later criticised the authorities. Last Ramadan, objections were also raised in parts of Noida and Ghaziabad over Taraweeh prayers in residential areas.
Observers say that in sensitive regions, even small incidents can quickly turn into larger debates if not handled carefully. For now, the administration in Jyotirmath has said it will verify whether any rules were violated and will take steps to prevent tension.
Community leaders from both sides have been urged to avoid inflammatory statements. As Ramadan continues, many residents hope that the matter will be resolved peacefully and that communal harmony in the region will not be disturbed.
