'Auspicious sanatan tradition ...': Non-Hindus must apply tilak, drink gangajal to join Navratri events, say MP BJP leaders

Huzur MP Rameshwar Sharma said non-Hindus interested in taking part in garba should first "return to the Sanatan fold". (Courtesy: X | @rameshwar4111)

BJP leaders in Madhya Pradesh have proposed certain conditions to check the entry of non-Hindus in garba venues during Navratri. Huzur MP Rameshwar Sharma said that non-Hindus who want to attend garba during Navratri should apply tilak and drink gangajal.

Madhya Pradesh youth affairs minister Vishwas Sarang has even raised objections to the entry of non-Hindus in garba grounds during Navratri, as per a Times Of India report. Other BJP leaders have also expressed their concerns regarding non-Hindus taking parts in Hindu festivities.

"Non-Hindus wanting to attend garba during Navratri should first apply tilak on their forehead, gulp gangajal and perform aarti of the goddess in dhoti-kurta," the BJP MP from Huzur said. This comes as calls to bar non-Hindus from attending garba has intensified in the state.

He went on to say that non-Hindus interested in taking part in garba should first "return to the Sanatan fold" as everyone in India has the Hindu DNA and some converted just a few centuries ago. He also warned non-Hindus against any misbehaviour. "If non-Hindus in garba grounds are found misbehaving with women, their homes would be razed with bulldozers," the Huzur MP said.

BJP Bhopal MP Alok Sharma too echoed youth affairs minister Sarang's thoughts. People should stick to their own religious customs and not try to participate in activities by any other religious groups, he said.

"People should be content participating in rituals and practices associated with religions they are born into and follow. People from a certain community should not pose as Hindus and enter garba grounds. We will allow only Hindus to enter," TOI quoted Alok Sharma as saying.

With just three days to go for Navratri, it has also been suggested that garba venues be closely monitored, with video surveillance and ID checks for all entrants.

"We will ensure video filming at venues to identify those entering. Aadhaar card and other identity proof would be checked before permitting entry into garba pandals," Sharma added.

MP youth affairs minister Sarang said only those who believe in sanatan dharma and offer prayers to 'Sherawali Mata' have the right to perform garba. "It (garba) is an auspicious sanatan tradition, where we worship the goddess and is performed around the idol of 'Sherawali Mata'. So why should those who are not Hindus do this?," he said.

Non-Hindus will not be permitted to enter garba grounds, the minister said, adding, "Do they visit temples the way Hindus do? Then why should they come to garba grounds?"