On September 13, during a protest in Omti, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), members of the right-wing groups Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP) and Rashtriya Bajrang Dal submitted a memorandum demanding a ban on Muslim participation in the upcoming Navratri Garba events. Citing the conspiracy theory of “love jihad,” the group called for Aadhaar verification at venues and urged that Muslims be barred from organising or attending garba programs.
They argued that such participation, along with the playing of Bollywood songs, would hurt the sentiments of Sanatan Dharma. The group warned authorities that if communal tensions escalated, the responsibility would lie with the administration.
Communal flashpoints around festivals: a pattern repeating itself
Communal tensions around festivals are no longer isolated flare-ups but part of a disturbing, repeated pattern in several parts of India. In recent years, especially in BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh, right-wing groups have targeted Muslim youth and artists for participating in Hindu cultural events such as Garba during Navratri. Last year in n Jhansi, artist Baby Imran was barred from performing despite being invited, with the event’s electricity cut off as she began.
In Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, Bajrang Dal members disrupted a dandiya celebration over a Muslim youth allegedly carrying chicken, while in Dewas, Hindu Jagran Manch threatened non-Hindus with violence if they didn’t leave the event. In Guna, Muslim youths were physically assaulted and handed over to police—one even beaten on video for resisting expulsion.
These incidents reflect a larger pattern of orchestrated exclusion and hate, masked as protection of religious sentiments. Festivals, once symbols of unity, are now flashpoints of division. This rising intolerance not only alienates minorities but also corrodes India’s pluralistic spirit. If left unaddressed, it risks normalising communal hatred as a part of public celebrations.
Related:
VHP leader assaults Muslim youth attempting to enter Navratri event in UP
When Navratri’s joyous Garba dance becomes a garb for exclusion: Gujarat, MP
‘Check Aadhaar card to keep out Non-Hindus’: Bajrang Dal to Garba organisers