In recent years, the Hindu festival of Navratri, traditionally marked by community celebrations such as garba dancing, has increasingly become a focal point for incidents of exclusion and hostility towards Muslims. A recent incident involving Aftaab Hussain, a student from Jammu and Kashmir studying at Dr. Harisingh Gour University in Madhya Pradesh, highlights this troubling trend.
Aftaab was assaulted by members of the Bajrang Dal, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Hindu Jagran Manch while participating in Navratri festivities in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. A video of the assault circulated widely on social media, prompting public outrage. Following the attack, Aftaab was taken into police custody, though he was released shortly after.
The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association condemned the assault, praising the police for their timely intervention while noting the intense pressure from right-wing groups demanding Aftaab’s arrest. “Massive pressure was exerted by these groups to register an FIR against Aftaab, who hails from Poonch district of J&K. Fortunately, the police assessed the case and ensured that justice prevailed,” the Association stated. They also called for accountability against the attackers, emphasizing the need for protective measures for students from Jammu and Kashmir.
The incident has garnered widespread attention as similar cases of communal exclusion have surfaced across India. Experts have indicated that these actions are part of a larger strategy to segregate communities along religious lines during festivals. Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), a human rights organization, criticized Hindutva groups for distorting public narratives. “By focusing on who is allowed to celebrate, they risk diverting attention from pressing civic issues like infrastructure challenges,” CJP remarked.
Another alarming occurrence took place in Kota, Rajasthan, where two Muslim girls reported being denied entry to a garba event despite holding valid passes. They expressed humiliation over the unexpected enforcement of a non-Hindu entry rule, which had not been disclosed at the time of purchase.
On September 13, members of the Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP) and Rashtriya Bajrang Dal demanded a ban on Muslim participation in Navratri garba events, linking their requests to unfounded conspiracy theories about “love jihad.” They advocated for identity verification measures to restrict Muslim involvement, claiming their participation could offend Hindu sentiments.
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane supported these sentiments, declaring garba events as potential hotspots for “love jihad.” His comments followed the VHP’s advisory urging organizers to verify the identities of participants.
“This atmosphere of intimidation means it’s better to avoid these festivals altogether if Muslims will be in danger,” said Aleena, a student in Delhi, in response to the growing hostility. The marginalization extends beyond Muslims; incidents of caste-based discrimination have also occurred. In Gujarat, four women were booked for assaulting a Dalit woman at a garba event, humiliating her for joining the festivities.
Social media has seen a proliferation of videos depicting Hindutva activists forcing Muslim individuals to bow before Hindu idols, further illustrating the trend of humiliation. A notable incident in Chhattisgarh involved a Muslim youth being compelled to chant slogans and bow to a deity against his will, while other similar instances were reported in Andhra Pradesh.
“The situation represents an economic isolation of Muslims orchestrated by the saffron government,” journalist Kashif Kakvi stated, underscoring the severity of the situation in Indore.
Ultimately, the shift from festive inclusion to sectarian conflict reflects a broader societal divide. What was once a vibrant celebration for diverse communities has increasingly transformed into a battleground for religious identity and territorial claims.
Tags: Hindutva, garba festivals, Muslim attacks, religious segregation, community tensions
Hashtags: #Segregation #festivals #Hindutva #outfits #attack #Muslims #attending #garba #events
