# Mumbai Garba participation controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mumbai-garba-participation-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-21T04:29:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Debates regarding the participation of various communities in Garba celebrations in Mumbai have intensified. Initially, Mumbai Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi defended the tradition as an inclusive practice, noting that people from all communities, including Muslims, have participated for many years. He argued against viewing the festival through a strictly religious lens and criticized efforts to exclude specific groups. However, political tensions escalated in the Borivali area ahead of the Navratri festival. BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay characterized the event as a religious and social occasion that should not facilitate ‘love jihad’, suggesting that Muslim men attending should wear a tilak and be accompanied by female relatives. Other political figures and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) have called for identity verification at events across Maharashtra. In response, organizers in Borivali announced they would implement security measures, including the verification of Aadhaar cards. Opposition parties have criticized these developments, accusing the BJP of attempting to divide society on religious grounds. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-21: Mumbai Garba celebrations spark political row over Muslim entry BJP leaders in Mumbai have sparked political controversy by proposing restrictions on Muslim men attending Garba events, suggesting they must wear a tilak and show religious reverence to participate. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mumbai-garba-celebrations-spark-political-row-over-muslim-entry ### 2026-09-09: Sanjay Ghadi defends inclusive participation in Garba Mumbai Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi defended the inclusive nature of Garba, stating all communities participate, and addressed debates on Vande Mataram and the importance of learning Marathi in Maharashtra. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sanjay-ghadi-defends-inclusive-participation-in-garba --- Cite as: Mumbai Garba participation controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mumbai-garba-participation-controversy