Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Muslim Bouncers Allege Hiring Discrimination at Dandiya Events
Some Muslim bouncers say they are being turned away from jobs at Dandiya celebrations.
They say organisers reject them after hearing their names or learning their religion.
The bouncers say they have worked at these events before and can do the job professionally.
Their work includes watching entrances and exits and helping keep people safe.
They say fewer bookings are hurting their income.
They have asked the government and police to help make sure religion does not decide who gets hired.
Muslim bouncers say some Dandiya event organisers are refusing to hire them because of their names or faith.
Members of a 200-person bouncers’ collective say they worked at several city events in previous years.
The bouncers say bookings are usually made weeks ahead, and lost work has affected their livelihoods.
Bouncer and bodybuilder Pathan says their duties include monitoring entrances, exits and areas near stages.
The group has urged the state government and police to intervene and protect employment opportunities.
- Who
- Muslim bouncers, including members of a 200-member collective, allege discrimination by some Dandiya event organisers.
- What
- They say they are being refused employment because of their names or Muslim faith.
- When
- Ahead of the forthcoming Navratri season.
- Where
- At Dandiya events in the city; the city is not identified in the article.
- Why
- The bouncers say some organisers do not want to employ Muslim workers, affecting their livelihoods.
Bouncers’ account
Organisers’ position
Hiring decisions
Bouncers’ account
Muslim bouncers say some organisers reject them after hearing their names or faith, and that religion does not affect their ability to manage crowds or protect people.
Organisers’ position
The article reports the bouncers’ allegations but does not provide a response or explanation from event organisers.
- Collective size
- About 200 bouncers
- Reported issue
- Alleged refusal to hire Muslim bouncers for Dandiya events
- Timing
- Ahead of the forthcoming Navratri season
- Usual booking period
- Bookings are usually made weeks in advance
- Duties described
- Monitoring entry and exit points or staying near the stage
- Requested action
- The bouncers appealed to the state government and police to intervene