By SIBY JEYYA
In Madhya Pradesh, the Bajrang Dal, a right-wing Hindu nationalist group, has been raising objections to the entry of Muslims in Garba pandals during the navratri festival. Garba is a traditional Hindu dance performed in honor of the goddess Durga, and it holds significant cultural and religious importance, particularly in states like gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
The Bajrang Dal’s objections are rooted in concerns about “love jihad,” a term used by some right-wing groups to describe alleged efforts by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into relationships with the aim of conversion to Islam. They claim that Muslims attending Garba events might engage in such behavior, and as a result, the group has called for restrictions on Muslim participation in these celebrations. Bajrang Dal members have even resorted to screening participants at the entrances of pandals to verify their religious identity, often using methods like checking IDs.
This action has sparked controversy and debate. Critics argue that such behavior promotes communal division and is an infringement on the secular nature of public spaces. They assert that Garba is a cultural event that should remain inclusive. The exclusionary stance taken by Bajrang Dal highlights the growing communal tensions in parts of India, where religious polarization has been on the rise in recent years.
This story was originally published in indiaherald.com.