The ongoing controversy around restrictions on Garba events during Navratri has deepened after Madhya Pradesh minister Vishvas Sarang on Tuesday echoed the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) call to limit participation to Hindus only.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Sarang said Garba is not merely a cultural performance but a “religious ritual of Sanatan Dharma” and therefore should be reserved for followers of Hinduism.
“Garba is purely a religious ritual. This is the worship of Devi Maa. Only the followers of Hinduism should go to Garba. This is not an entertainment programme. Those going there must reveal their identity,” the minister remarked.
The remarks come days after the VHP advised organisers to check Aadhaar cards of participants before entry, citing concerns over “love jihad.” The organisation urged that non-Hindus be barred from participating in the traditional dance events, which form a central part of Navratri festivities, particularly in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
In Maharashtra, BJP minister Nitesh Rane supported the VHP’s advisory, calling Garba venues “epicentres” of “love jihad” and alleging that participants from other communities attend such programmes under false identities. “What is wrong in asking for identity checks? Islam does not follow idol worship. Except for love jihad, I do not see any other reason behind Muslims participating in Garba,” Rane was quoted by PTI.
However, the move has drawn criticism from the Opposition. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar slammed the VHP’s stance, accusing it of trying to “set society on fire” by fuelling communal divisions.
As Navratri approaches, the debate over religious restrictions and identity checks at Garba events is expected to intensify, with organisers caught between community demands, political statements, and law enforcement permissions.
