Muslims barred from Mumbai garba event, BJP MLA lays down tilak, family rules

A major garba event in Maharashtra's Mumbai has announced restrictions on Muslim entry, with BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay saying Muslims who want to attend must wear a tilak and worship the goddess.

The announcement was made during the bhoomi pujan and press conference for the garba event in Borivali, where Upadhyay, BJP MLA Manisha Chaudhary and former BJP MP Gopal Shetty were present.

The event is also set to feature performances by dandiya singer Geeta Rabari and garba performer Falguni Pathak.

The remarks come amid a wider controversy in Maharashtra over Muslim participation in garba and dandiya events ahead of Navratri. The Vishva Hindu Parishad has also called for Muslims to be kept out of such events and urged organisers to verify attendees' identities.

Speaking about Muslim entry, Sanjay Upadhyay took a firm position against their participation without conditions.

"This time there is no entry for Muslims in the garba. Whoever wants to come should come with his wife, sister and daughter, apply tilak and worship the goddess," Upadhyay said.

He added, "Believe in Sanatan and then come."

"This is not a place for love jihad," he said.

Former BJP MP Gopal Shetty also spoke about the issue of Muslim participation at the event.

Shetty said that if a Muslim comes wearing a tilak, they can attend the garba.

He drew a comparison with Muslims wearing caps when Hindu leaders visit Eid celebrations.

"When we say that the ancestors of Muslims and Christians were Hindus, they should apply tilak," Shetty said.

He added that just as Hindus wear caps when they visit Muslim celebrations, Muslims who want to attend garba should not have a problem wearing a tilak.AADHAAR CHECKS BEFORE ENTRY

Event organiser Santosh Singh said special security arrangements had been made for the garba this year.

He said Aadhaar cards would be checked before people are allowed to enter the venue.

The event's restrictions come as Maharashtra sees a broader debate over whether Muslims should be allowed to participate in garba and dandiya celebrations. The VHP has called for identity verification at such events, including Aadhaar checks and tilak requirements.FALGUNI PATHAK, GEETA RABARI TO PERFORM

The Borivali event is expected to be one of the major garba celebrations in the area, with both Falguni Pathak and Geeta Rabari scheduled to perform.

The event's organisers conducted the bhoomi pujan and press conference ahead of the celebrations, with BJP leaders and former MP Gopal Shetty attending the event.- EndsWith inputs from Shivshankar TiwariPublished By: Sonali VermaPublished On: Sep 20, 2026 16:06 IST