Strict Hindu-Only Policy at Nagpur Garba Events: Aadhaar Checks, Religious Verification, and Political Backlash

Nagpur:

In Nagpur, organizers of Garba events have implemented stringent measures during the current Navratri festivities, following guidelines from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) aimed at ensuring participation is limited to Hindu attendees. Entry into Garba venues now requires mandatory verification of Aadhaar cards.

Additionally, comprehensive security protocols have been established. The organizers have stationed both male and female bouncers alongside security personnel to maintain order within the Garba pandals.

Further requirements include participants showing reverence to an image of Lord Vishnu's Varaha (boar) avatar before entering the venue. Attendees must also apply tilak on their foreheads, apparently as a demonstration of their religious affiliation.

Previously, the VHP had recommended that Garba enthusiasts should wear a sacred thread (raksha sutra) and offer prayers to a Hindu deity prior to admission. Prashant Titre, the VHP's Vidarbha general secretary, stated last Saturday that attendees would be sprinkled with 'Gau mutra' (cow urine).

Members of VHP and Bajrang Dal will supervise Garba pandals to ensure compliance with these guidelines during the Navratri celebrations, which commenced on Sunday and will conclude on October 1.

The VHP maintains that such restrictions are essential to guarantee exclusively Hindu participation in Garba events and prevent instances of "love jihad," a term used by certain right-wing groups alleging forced conversion of Hindu females by Muslim males.

These directives have sparked political controversy, with opposition parties accusing the VHP and the Sangh of attempting to create societal divisions through such mandates.

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, a Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader, clarified that event organizers have the authority to determine their attendees. He stated that each organizer establishes specific rules and has the right to do so.

Conversely, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut alleged these actions represent an attempt to foster a communal atmosphere in the country.