We wholeheartedly welcome the decision by the police in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Solapur districts of Maharashtra to check Aadhaar cards at Garba events for the safety of women. However, this rule should not be limited to just a few states or districts—it must be implemented nationwide. The increasing number of illegal infiltrators, particularly Bangladeshi and Rohingya Muslims, is a matter of serious concern. Security agencies have found that many of these individuals are involved in criminal activities, posing a significant threat. During the Navratri festival, there is a possibility that such elements could attempt to carry out harmful acts. Therefore, Garba organizers must take this issue seriously and ensure the safety of all participants by adopting strict entry measures.
Navratri is a 9-day period of devotional fasting dedicated to the Goddess, and it is essential to preserve its sanctity. However, in recent times, during Navratri, there has been a trend of playing obscene songs from movies, dancing to them, molesting women, and participating in Garba while dressed inappropriately. These behaviors not only compromise the festival’s sacredness but also pose a threat to the safety of women. The committee emphasized the importance of avoiding such actions and urged that steps be taken to prevent the commercialization of the festival.
