Islamists Misbehaviour at Garba: Vinod Bansal of VHP warns against outsiders diluting sanctity of Navratri celebrations

Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has raised serious concern over repeated incidents where Islamist elements infiltrated Garba festivities, leading to cases of harassment and chaos. Citing the pattern of such disruptions, VHP’s national spokesperson Vinod Bansal has appealed to Hindu society to remain vigilant and ensure that “outsiders” with no respect for Hindu belief or culture are kept away from Navratri celebrations.

Bansal stressed that Garba and Durga Puja are not secular entertainment events but sacred platforms of worship, culture, and devotion. “Only those who follow tradition should be allowed to join with their families. Those who cannot say ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai,’ ‘Vande Mataram,’ or ‘Jai Maa Durga’ should not be permitted to participate,” he declared. His remarks come amid growing concerns that Islamist groups, under the guise of joining festivities, have entered Garba venues in recent years and misbehaved with women, creating a climate of fear.

Through a post on Instagram, Bansal drew attention to the growing tendency to treat Navratri festivals as casual or secular shows. “Those who cannot even say ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai,’ how can they say ‘Maa Durga ki Jai’? It is difficult to understand why such people would come to Durga Puja or Garba. These are not dramas, shows, tourism, or entertainment, but sacred occasions of belief and devotion,” he wrote.

Bansal reminded society of its duty to safeguard women and preserve the purity of these sacred events. “To protect the sanctity, purity, and safety of this great festival of religion, belief, and worship, and to protect the events with mothers and sisters, Hindu society must remain vigilant and guard against the evil deeds of such heretics. Furthermore, it is best to avoid any interaction with Jihadis (especially during these days),” he stated.

This pointed warning comes in the wake of multiple reported incidents over the years where Islamist youth infiltrated Garba pandals in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and other states, sparking clashes and incidents of harassment. VHP leaders argue that such disruptions not only threaten the dignity of Hindu women but also seek to dilute the sanctity of Navratri traditions.

Navratri is one of the grandest festivals of Indian culture, marked by nine nights of worshipping Durga Ma in her nine forms. In Gujarat, Garba and Dandiya are the vibrant centerpieces of the festival, while in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and other states, Durga Puja becomes a grand celebration of devotion. Bansal emphasised that these festivals “are not limited to entertainment alone, but symbolise social unity, cultural heritage, and religious devotion.”