Navratri Begins in Madhya Pradesh Amid Festivities and Security Concerns

Bhopal, Sept 2025 :The nine-day-long Navratri festival began across Madhya Pradesh on Monday with great enthusiasm. Idols of Goddess Durga were placed in colonies, streets, and community spaces, filling the atmosphere with festive fervour. Colorful pandals with unique themes, depictions of Durga in various forms, and large-scale Garba and Dandiya events have created a vibrant cultural setting across the state.

Garba, a traditional folk dance performed with colorful attire and decorative sticks, has always been an integral part of Navratri celebrations. Cities like Bhopal, Ujjain, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior are witnessing thousands of devotees gather at pandals to participate in nightly dances and rituals.

Rising Controversy Over Garba Pandals

Despite the joyous mood, controversies surrounding entry restrictions at Garba venues have surfaced once again. In Bhopal, several posters were displayed outside a Garba pandal prohibiting entry of people from non-Hindu communities. Right-wing organizations such as Sanskrit Bachao Manch and Bharatiya Yuva Morcha also put up posters with slogans like “Jihadis won’t be allowed in Garba pandals.”

The matter quickly drew political attention. Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including MLAs Bhagwandas Sabnani and Rameshwar Sharma, as well as Bhopal MP Alok Sharma, issued strong statements to the media. They insisted that entry into Garba venues would be allowed only after Aadhaar verification and with a tilak mark on the forehead.
“Those who do not believe in Murti Pooja or Sanatan Dharma should not enter Garba pandals. The festival is meant for the Hindu community. Any attempt by ‘Jihadis’ to create disturbance will invite strict action,” said Bhopal MP Alok Sharma.

Administration Issues Mandatory Directives

Amid the growing controversy, district administrations across Madhya Pradesh have introduced a set of strict guidelines for organizers of Garba, Dandiya, and other Navratri events. The directives emphasize security, identity verification, and safety arrangements at all venues.

Key measures announced include:

• Mandatory Identity Verification: No individual will be permitted inside Garba or cultural venues without proper ID checks.
• CCTV Surveillance: Organizers must install CCTV cameras at event sites to monitor crowds and ensure public safety.
• Fire Safety Compliance: Venues must be equipped with adequate fire-fighting systems and strictly follow fire safety norms.
• Medical Facilities: Basic medical arrangements are required at every site to handle emergencies.
• Ban on Objectionable Items: Carrying or promoting banned, dangerous, or objectionable items is strictly prohibited.
• Police Verification & Security Coordination: Organizers must coordinate with police authorities, obtain verification certificates, and ensure proper security deployments.

Authorities have warned that any violation of these directives will result in strict legal action against event organizers. The orders have been circulated to police officials, administrative departments, and cultural associations for immediate implementation.

Balancing Festivities and Security

While Navratri celebrations continue with devotion and cultural energy, the growing tensions at Garba pandals highlight the challenges of balancing faith, inclusivity, and security. District administrations are aiming to ensure that the festival remains a safe and joyous occasion for devotees, even as social and political debates around participation intensify.

As Madhya Pradesh celebrates the goddess Durga with rituals, music, and dance, the spotlight remains firmly on whether stricter regulations will prevent disruptions and maintain harmony during this major Hindu festival.