Proper Clothes, Tika, Aadhaar: Bajrang Dal Lays Down Rules For Navratra Garba

Jaipur:

Across the cities of Kota and Bhilwara in Rajasthan, signboards, posters, and warnings have emerged outlining specific regulations for garba festivities. In Kota's Nayapura, sabzi mandi, and Jhalawar road areas, prominent hoardings installed by the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad explicitly prohibit non-Hindus from participating in garba celebrations and strictly forbid inappropriate or risqué musical selections.

The organizations have mandated that Aadhaar cards will be required for entry into garba pandals, and all attendees must consent to wearing a tilak on their foreheads.

Bajrang Dal in Kota has established teams to conduct unannounced inspections at garba events to verify compliance with these guidelines.

"Currently, we're observing that Navratri has transformed into something resembling a disco. People attend garba events, smoke cigarettes, and play inappropriate music. It no longer appears to be a religious celebration dedicated to the mother goddess," stated Naresh Prajapat, Kota city coordinator for the Bajrang Dal.

"It has deteriorated into a disco atmosphere. We're simply advocating that these programs be conducted appropriately. There should be aartis performed, Aadhaar cards will be verified, and non-Hindus will not be permitted entry," he further explained.

Monu Sonu, the group's city chief, emphasized that participants' attire should also be suitable.

"Women should dress appropriately as this is a religious function. This celebration belongs to Hindu society and should be conducted accordingly. We will inspect all pandals throughout the city. If anyone appears suspicious, we may request to see their Aadhaar cards. Our recommendation to women is to wear traditional clothing. You look beautiful in traditional attire, which is suitable for cultural programs," he remarked.

The Bajrang Dal's position has now entered the political domain. BJP president Madan Rathore went further, suggesting, "Women and men should participate in separate garba events."

"Many individuals attend these garba events for reasons other than cultural or religious purposes, and unwanted people often enter with different intentions. If anyone makes efforts to prevent such individuals from entering, that is acceptable," he added.

Opposition Leader Tikaram Jully criticized these actions, stating that the BJP is attempting to divert public attention from Rajasthan's real issues. He suggested they should instead focus on flood relief efforts, addressing crop damage caused by flooding, and tackling the genuine threat of seasonal illnesses.