The controversy surrounding garba events escalated on Saturday, Day 3 of Navratri, as Hindu groups and organizers in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, enforced a ban on non-Hindus entering garba pandals.
This move follows the cancellation of a garba event in Indore two days earlier, which had been organized by a Muslim individual.
In light of circulating social media reports, a local Qazi in Ratlam urged the Muslim community to refrain from attending Navratri fairs and events. In his letter, Qazi Ahmed highlighted that participating in such activities is against the teachings of Deen-e-Islam, advising especially the youth to remain at home during the Hindu festivities.
Banners displaying the message, “Gair Hindu ka pravesh varjit hai” (Non-Hindus not allowed), were seen at the entrances of several garba venues, such as Maa Padmavati Mata Mandir, Palace Navyuvak Mandal Mahalwara, and Shri Ram Navyuvak Mandal.
Event organizers also stressed the importance of following a dress code, urging participants to wear traditional attire while attending these religious gatherings.