A political storm has erupted over demands to restrict Navratri garba events exclusively to Hindus. 
On Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh minister Vishvas Sarang said the ritual dance, deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, should be performed only by followers of Sanatan Dharma.
&ldquo;Garba is not an entertainment show. It is the worship of Devi Maa. Only Hindus should take part in garba,&rdquo; Sarang stated, adding that participants should be required to &ldquo;reveal their identity&rdquo; before entering venues.
The controversy began after the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) last week urged garba organisers to check Aadhaar cards of attendees to prevent cases of so-called &ldquo;love jihad.&rdquo;
Supporting the call, Maharashtra BJP leader Nitesh Rane argued that garba venues were turning into &ldquo;epicentres&rdquo; of &ldquo;love jihad&rdquo; and stressed the need for identity checks. 
&ldquo;Islam does not follow idol worship. Apart from love jihad, I don&rsquo;t see any reason for Muslims to attend garba,&rdquo; he said.
Opposition voices, however, hit back strongly. 
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar condemned the demand, calling it an attempt to &ldquo;set society on fire.&rdquo;
Traditionally performed during Navratri in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, garba has in recent years transformed into a major cultural celebration attracting participants from diverse communities.

Crowd performing traditional garba during Navratri festival

Debate intensifies as leaders demand Hindus-only entry at Navratri garba events

Hindus-Only Garba Row Sparks Political Clash

Debate intensifies as leaders demand Hindus-only entry at Navratri garba events

September 23, 2025 | 17:18 IST