'Indians denied entry, while foreigners given priority': Rishikesh yoga hub faces backlash over festival admission policies
Viral social media footage shows an Indian man confronting event staff at the entrance, questioning why Indian devotees were reportedly prevented from entering while foreigners were being allowed inside
A growing controversy has surfaced at the Rishikesh Kirtan Fest 2026, a high‑profile spiritual gathering in Uttarakhand, after several visitors alleged that local Indian participants were denied entry while foreign attendees were allegedly given priority. The festival, known for devotional singing and spiritual sessions, has drawn both domestic and international visitors to Rishikesh, often referred to as the “Yoga Capital of the World.”
Viral social media footage shows an Indian man confronting event staff at the entrance, questioning why Indian devotees were reportedly prevented from entering while foreigners were being allowed inside. The clip, shared widely on platforms such as Instagram by the handle Dehradun Raw, garnered over 3,78,000 views within days, sparking heated debate online.
In the video, the individual asks a foreign staff member why locals were being denied access, citing a “full” venue even as foreign visitors appeared to enter. The staff member responded that the festival’s evening sessions were structured to introduce Indian cultural traditions to those perceived as having limited connection with them, but this explanation did not satisfy the questioner or many viewers.
The incident quickly went viral, with many netizens criticising the perceived exclusion of Indian devotees from a cultural and spiritual event held in India.
Comments expressed frustration and outrage, with some users calling the situation disrespectful and demanding clarification from organisers.
"They want to preserve Indian culture without telling the Indians," read one comment , another said: "who allowed him to do this in india".
Local residents reportedly approached organisers seeking information about the admission criteria, but as of now, no official statement has been released to address the claims or clarify the event’s entry policies.
View this post on Instagram
