Amruta Fadnavis advocates for inclusive Navratri celebrations

Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has advocated for inclusivity during the upcoming Navratri festival, stating there is nothing wrong with Muslims attending Garba and Dandiya celebrations. Her comments come in response to recent calls by Hindu nationalist groups and political leaders to restrict non-Hindu participation in these traditional events.

State Minister Nitesh Rane has supported the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) in its decision to bar Muslims from Garba venues. Rane cited concerns regarding “love jihad” and argued that those who do not practice idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious festivities. He suggested that attendees undergo identity checks and recite the Hanuman Chalisa before entry.

The VHP has issued guidelines for event organizers to verify the identities of participants, including checking Aadhaar cards and applying a ‘tilak’ to foreheads to ensure participants are Hindu. This debate has sparked significant political tension in Maharashtra ahead of the festival, which begins on October 11.