Bhopal, September 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A political controversy over participation and identity verification at Garba events has erupted in Madhya Pradesh ahead of Sharad Navratri, following separate remarks by two BJP MLAs on the participation of non-Hindus in the traditional dance celebrations.
Mhow MLA Usha Thakur backed demands from Hindu organisations for restrictions on participation, saying Garba should remain closely associated with religious observance.
“This demand of the Hindu organisations is very appropriate. Garba should never be professional. Garba is a festival of worshipping the power of Goddess Durga,” Thakur told IANS.
Thakur alleged that some people enter Garba venues after concealing their identities, including by wearing a tilak and tying a kalava, or sacred thread. She claimed such individuals mislead Hindu women and called for identity verification at venues.
She also demanded that non-Hindus be barred from entering Garba pandals.
Thakur further said the Sanatani community should study scriptures and weapons, while women should focus on their overall development and be prepared to protect religion, culture and the nation.
Her remarks came a day after BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma sparked a separate controversy over the participation of Muslim men in Garba events.
Speaking at a public programme in Bhopal, Sharma questioned the participation of Muslim men attending Garba events without female family members and said they should bring their sisters and daughters along.
He said Muslims could participate if they came “permanently”, chanted “Jai Shri Ram” and applied a tilak.
Sharma also warned against attempts to turn Garba into a spectacle or use the events for what he described as “Love Jihad”, saying the youth were ready to retaliate.
Congress MLA Arif Masood criticised Sharma’s remarks and termed the language offensive.
The statements have brought questions over participation, identity verification and access to Garba venues back into the political discourse in Madhya Pradesh ahead of Navratri.
Sharad Navratri, the nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and celebrated across India, is scheduled to begin on October 11 this year.
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