Mumbai: Two days after the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) called for restricting entry to ‘garba’ events to Hindus only, the Maharashtra BJP echoed the demand, asserting those who do not practice idol worship but participate in garba are “insulting their own faith”.
The demand is aimed at stopping non-Hindus, especially Muslims, from attending garba events.
“Only Hindus in Garba—this insistence promotes harmony in society and mutual respect. The Quran strictly prohibits idol worship. So for such people participating in Garba is an insult to their own faith. Why should such people come to garba?” Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said in an X post.
He said that during the ‘Ras Garba’ festival, devotees offer prayers and dance with devotion in front of an idol of goddess. “Therefore, restricting entry to garba only to Hindus—this stance is not about enmity but about preserving respect for religions. The true meaning of religious freedom is to remain loyal to one’s own religion, respect it, and not harbour hatred toward another’s religion,” he added.
कुराणात मूर्तीपूजेचा कठोर निषेध आहे (सूरा अल-अन्कबूत – 29:25). मग ज्यांच्या धर्मग्रंथातच मूर्तीपूजेवर बंदी आहे, त्यांनी हिंदूंच्या गरब्यात सहभागी होणे हा त्यांच्या स्वतःच्या श्रद्धेचा अपमान!
तरीदेखील – अशा लोकांनी का यायचं गरब्यात?रास गरबा महोत्सवात ‘देवी’च्या मूर्तीसमोर…
— Keshav Upadhye (@keshavupadhye) September 22, 2025
When ThePrint approached him for a comment, Upadhye said his stance has nothing to do with the government. “It is about respecting each other’s faith. This need not be imposed but should be done by one’s own will. If there is no concept of idol worship, why should they go there?”
The Navratri festival is marked by traditional garba and dandiya performances where men and women dance in circular formations. This year, the festival will be celebrated from 22 September to October 1.
The VHP on Saturday said only Hindus should be given entry to ‘garba’ events and advised organisers to check the Aadhaar card of entrants for identification to avoid instances of “love jihad”. It also asked the organisers to apply “tilak” on the participants’ forehead and ensure they perform “puja” of God Varaha before entering the event.
Last year too, the VHP had asked the organisers to not allow non-Hindus at garba events.
Shriraj Nair, a VHP spokesperson told ThePrint Monday that since garba is a religious event, those who do not believe in idol worship should not be allowed at the event.
“This is not an entertainment event. It is a Hindu dharmic event. So non-Hindus shouldn’t be allowed. they don’t believe in idol worship so why do you want to come,” Nair said.
“Besides, they come alone. Not with their wives or families. They come with malafide intent. If you still want to come, then you believe and convert yourself to Hinduism. It is not an entertainment event. It is an out and out religious function, not a concert. We don’t want to keep anybody out but if you come, then you accept you are a Hindu,” Nair added.
He said they have people monitoring the situation at garba events across the state.
When asked about the VHP’s demands, Upadhye said the fear of love jihad is valid.
“The VHP is an important organisation and if they believe that such cases can arise, then it is valid. My only opinion is that if you are not going to worship the idol, then are you going there only to dance,” Upadhye said.
Reacting to the VHP diktat, state minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said Sunday, “That is their right. The only decisive factor is whether the event has police permission. The organising committees must take decisions based on that.”
Also Read: Gujarat Garba threats had been building up. But the ‘ruined’ celebration was unexpected
Political backlash
The VHP’s demand sparked a political backlash against the organisation.
“I strongly condemn this!” Union minister Ramdas Athawale said Sunday. “Who is the Vishva Hindu Parishad to decide who will go to garba and who will not? This advisory is not just limited to instructing organisers but is an open invitation for some radical elements to incite violence and use force.”
“If any clashes, assaults or religious conflicts occur anywhere in the country during Navratri because of this advisory, the complete responsibility will rest with the VHP and its associated organisations,” he added.
Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Waddetiwar also called this a divisive tactic.
“Are they the protector of Hindu religion? Have they bought us Hindus? Besides, the Constitution has given all of us the right to go to any place anywhere. This is a secular State. But if any untoward incident happens then whoever it is irrespective of the religion, the administration should take a strict action against it,” Waddetiwar said.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
Also Read: VHP, Bajrang Dal’s Garba action plan—women helpline to report harassment, prevent ‘love jihad’
