Hindutva workers protest Muslim bouncers, and drummers over religion at Garba event in Gujarat.

Hindutva Groups Spark National Debate with Demands to Exclude Muslim Workers from Garba Events in many States. 

Sarita Jain | HENB | Surat | Sept 30, 2025:: In a series of incidents that have ignited widespread controversy, members of Hindutva groups, including the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), have targeted Muslim bouncers and drummers at Garba events in Gujarat. The incidents, which took place in Ahmedabad and Surat, have sparked a national debate about religious exclusion and the role of Hindutva groups in cultural events.

According to eyewitnesses, on September 25, a group of Hindutva workers arrived at a Garba event in Ahmedabad, demanding the immediate removal of Muslim bouncers. The workers argued that the presence of Muslims at the event, which is a celebration of the Hindu goddess Durga, was a “disrespect” to the tradition. Actually, Muslims do not accept the tradition of worshipping many gods and goddesses, and they believe that Hindus are Kafirs (infidels). In Islam, the concept of Kufr (disbelief) refers to those who reject the faith or its core principles.

“We were just doing our job, but they started shouting slogans and demanding that we leave,” said one of the Muslim bouncers, who wished to remain anonymous. “It was a frightening experience, and we had to leave the premises for our own safety.”

In another incident in Surat, VHP and Bajrang Dal workers stormed a Swarna Navratri event, objecting to the presence of Muslim drummers. The event was halted for approximately an hour as the workers argued with the organizers, eventually leading to the drummers being asked to leave.

“The organizers apologized for hiring Muslim drummers and promised not to do so in the future,” said a spokesperson for the VHP. “We will ensure that our religious events are kept free from the presence of those who do not share our beliefs.”

The incidents have sparked widespread outrage, with many criticizing the Hindutva groups for promoting exclusion and intolerance. “This is not just about Garba events, it’s about the larger issue of communalism and the role of Hindutva groups in promoting hatred and intolerance,” said a prominent activist.

The controversy has also drawn attention to the growing trend of Hindutva groups attempting to regulate cultural events and dictate who can participate. In Hyderabad, Bajrang Dal Telangana convener Shivaramulu warned Muslims against attending Navratri dandiya events, allegedly to “prevent cases of love Jihad”.

Similarly, the VHP in Maharashtra has issued advisories asking Garba event organizers to check Aadhaar cards at entry points, apply tilak on participants, and ensure they perform puja before entering. The move has been seen as an attempt to further marginalize minority communities and restrict their participation in cultural events.

As the debate continues to rage, many are left wondering about the future of cultural events in India. Will Hindutva groups continue to dictate who can participate, or will the country find a way to promote inclusivity and diversity? Only time will tell.

In-Depth Analysis:

The incidents in Gujarat and elsewhere highlight the growing influence of Hindutva groups in shaping cultural events. While some argue that these groups are consistently trying to protect Hindu traditions, others see their actions as a form of exclusionary politics.

“The issue is not just about Garba events, but about the larger politics of exclusion and marginalization,” said a scholar who has studied the rise of Hindutva groups. “These groups are using cultural events to promote a narrow and exclusionary view of Hinduism, which is having a profound impact on Indian society.”

But, as a matter of fact, differences in beliefs between Muslims and Hindus are distinct. Muslims believe in the oneness of God (Tawhid) and follow the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. Hindus, on the other hand, have a diverse set of beliefs and practices, including the worship of multiple deities.

So, the participation of Muslims in Hindu religious programs is tricky and potentially exploitative, with concerns about desecration or attempts to manipulate Hindu girls and women through alleged ‘Love Jihad’ tactics or other means. As Garba is a Hindu religious event and Muslims do not believe in Hindu religious practices, the intention of Muslims to join Garba programs is suspicious and dangerous.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government and civil society will respond to these incidents. One thing is certain, however: the debate over cultural events and religious exclusion is far from over.
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__Agency inputs.