Amruta Fadnavis has called for inclusivity at Garba celebrations in Maharashtra, saying she sees no problem with Muslims attending Navratri events peacefully. Her comments come amid a political controversy over demands to restrict Muslim participation in Garba and Dandiya celebrations.
Speaking to reporters in Chandrapur, Amruta Fadnavis, social activist and wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, said festivals should bring people together rather than be limited to a particular community.
She said that if a Muslim person attends a Garba event and participates peacefully, she does not see anything objectionable about it.
Her remarks came after Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane supported a call by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) seeking restrictions on Muslim participation at Garba and Dandiya events during Navratri.
Amruta Fadnavis Says Festivals Should Be Inclusive
Amruta Fadnavis described Garba as a celebration that has gained recognition beyond India and said people should be able to enjoy such festivities peacefully.
She emphasized that individuals from different communities can participate as long as they follow the rules and do not create disturbances.
At the same time, she clarified that she had not examined all the arguments being made by organisations and political leaders seeking restrictions on participation in Garba events.
Her comments have added a different perspective to the ongoing debate in Maharashtra, where the issue has become politically contentious ahead of Navratri.
VHP Calls for Identity Verification at Garba Events
The controversy intensified after the VHP issued guidelines for Garba and Dandiya organisers.
Among the measures reportedly suggested by the organisation are identity checks for people attending the events. The VHP has also advocated verifying identity documents and other measures aimed at identifying participants.
These demands have triggered debate over whether religious and cultural events should impose community-based restrictions on attendees.
Supporters of the proposed checks have argued that organisers should take measures to protect participants and preserve the religious character of the celebrations. Critics, however, have raised concerns about discrimination and the exclusion of people based on their religion.
Nitesh Rane Supports Restrictions
Nitesh Rane has publicly backed the VHP’s position.
The BJP leader has alleged that incidents described by right-wing groups as “love jihad” increase around such festivals. He has also argued that people who do not believe in idol worship should not attend Hindu religious events.
The term “love jihad” is used by some Hindu nationalist groups to describe an alleged conspiracy involving Muslim men entering relationships with Hindu women for the purpose of religious conversion. The allegation has been strongly disputed and remains a politically contentious issue.
Rane has also supported identity verification measures at Garba venues.
Amruta Fadnavis Takes a Different View
While commenting on the controversy, Amruta Fadnavis stressed the importance of allowing people to participate in festivals peacefully.
Her position does not appear to support restricting attendance solely on the basis of religion.
She also made a broader point about public celebrations, saying that people have the freedom to practise their faith but must follow the rules applicable to public spaces.
This distinction is important because her comments addressed both religious freedom and the responsibilities associated with public events.
Her Comments on DJs and Noise Rules
Amruta Fadnavis also spoke about the use of loud music and DJs during public celebrations.
She said she was not calling for a complete prohibition on DJs but stressed that sound systems should operate within the limits prescribed by law and applicable regulations.
Her comments therefore extended beyond the question of who should attend Garba events to the broader issue of how public festivals should be conducted.
The issue of loud music during religious and cultural celebrations has frequently generated debate in cities across Maharashtra, particularly when events take place in densely populated areas.
Navratri and the Garba Debate in Maharashtra
Garba and Dandiya are among the most popular public celebrations associated with Navratri, attracting large crowds in Maharashtra and other parts of India.
The events have increasingly become major cultural and commercial gatherings, with participants coming from different social and religious backgrounds.
That popularity has also created debates about the religious identity of the celebrations, security, entry requirements and the responsibilities of event organisers.
This year’s controversy has brought those questions back into the political spotlight.
When Does Navratri Begin in 2026?
According to the date provided for this year’s celebrations, Navratri begins on October 11, 2026.
As the festival approaches, Garba and Dandiya organisers in Maharashtra are expected to make arrangements concerning security, crowd management, venue rules and other requirements.
The debate over participation could continue as political parties, religious organisations and members of the public respond to the competing positions.
What Amruta Fadnavis Said
At the centre of the controversy is Amruta Fadnavis’s argument that a person’s religion should not automatically prevent them from attending a Garba celebration if they participate peacefully and comply with applicable rules.
Her comments contrast with the position advocated by Nitesh Rane and the VHP, which has called for measures aimed at restricting or identifying Muslim participation.
With Navratri approaching, the disagreement reflects a wider discussion in Maharashtra over religious identity, inclusivity, public-event regulations and the role of politics in cultural celebrations.
