Racial Preference Allegations Emerge at Rishikesh Kirtan Festival

Rishikesh Kirtan Fest Discrimination Controversy

Background A controversy has emerged surrounding the Rishikesh Kirtan Fest held at the Anand Dham Ashram in Rishikesh, India. Organisers of the festival have been accused of restricting entry to Indian visitors during certain hours of the day, allegedly allowing only white international visitors to enter during evening hours.

Incidents and Reactions Several visitors, including Kriti Kumari, a digital nomad from Bihar, have reported being denied entry to the festival while their white friends were allowed in. In some cases, organisers claimed that the venue was at full capacity, despite allowing international visitors to enter. A representative of the ashram defended the decision, stating that the festival was open to everyone but prioritised evening hours for foreign visitors to promote Indian culture to those with no connection to it.

Visitor Feedback and Protests Many visitors have come forward sharing similar experiences at the festival, with some expressing disappointment and humiliation at being discriminated against. Social media users have also spoken out against the racism, with some comparing the incident to historical colonialism and others citing it as a violation of fundamental rights under Article 15, 19, and 21 of the Indian Constitution.

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Key Figures and Dates

• Anand Dham Ashram: Venue of the Rishikesh Kirtan Fest
• Rishikesh Kirtan Fest: Festival held at the Anand Dham Ashram
• Kriti Kumari: Digital nomad from Bihar who was denied entry to the festival
• @saciprana: Instagram handle of the ashram's representative
• Article 15, 19, and 21: Indian Constitution articles cited as being violated by the festival organisers' actions.