Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Madhya Pradesh Committees Oppose Ticketed Commercial Garba Events
Some groups in Madhya Pradesh are asking officials to change how Garba events are held.
In Dhar, about 16 committees marched and gave officials a written complaint.
They said ticketed events make it harder for families to attend and raised safety concerns for girls.
They also objected to film songs and commercial activities, saying traditional Garba should be protected.
In Susner, protesters asked for identity checks, security, parking and crowd-control plans.
They suggested holding Garba for nine days at temples and Durga pandals.
An official in Dhar said some event permissions might be cancelled.
The protesters say they may continue their demonstrations.
Around 16 committees in Dhar marched and submitted a memorandum opposing commercial Garba events.
Organisers objected to ticketed entry, film songs and what they described as a shift away from traditional religious Garba.
They raised concerns about women’s safety, alleged molestation, and possible effects on law and order.
In Susner, protesters sought identity checks, security, parking and crowd-control arrangements before approval of the Dholida Garba event.
Dhar SDM Rajkumar Haldhar said some permissions had been granted and could be cancelled; protesters warned of further action.
- Who
- Around 16 Garba committees in Dhar and members of the Hindu community in Susner.
- What
- They opposed ticketed commercial Garba events and called for changes to event permissions and arrangements.
- When
- The Dhar procession and memorandum took place on Tuesday; the articles do not specify the date.
- Where
- Dhar and Susner, Madhya Pradesh, India.
- Why
- They cited concerns about ticketed access, safety, commercial activities, film songs, traditional religious practices and event management.
Opponents of commercial events
Event organizers and existing permissions
Ticketed commercial format
Opponents of commercial events
Protesters said ticketed entry and commercial activities undermine traditional Garba and can prevent families from participating.
Event organizers and existing permissions
The articles report that ticketed events have been held for years; Dhar’s SDM said some permissions had already been granted.
Safety and event conditions
Opponents of commercial events
Dhar committees raised safety concerns and alleged molestation; Susner protesters requested identity checks, security, parking and crowd control.
Event organizers and existing permissions
The articles do not include a response from the event organizers to these allegations or requests.
Cultural format
Opponents of commercial events
Protesters objected to film songs and called for traditional, religious Garba, including nine-day celebrations at temples and Durga pandals.
Event organizers and existing permissions
The articles describe the Dholida event as having been held for years but do not provide organizers’ views on its music or format.
- Dhar protest
- Around 16 committees took out a procession and submitted a memorandum at the collector’s office.
- Ticketed events
- Organisers said such events had been held in Dhar for four to five years.
- Susner event
- Protesters opposed the commercial format and entry arrangements of the Dholida Garba event.
- Requested safeguards
- Protesters called for identity verification, security, parking and crowd-control arrangements.
- Alternative proposal
- Community members urged Garba celebrations for nine days at temples and Durga pandals.
- Official response
- Dhar SDM Rajkumar Haldhar said some permissions had been granted and could be cancelled.
- Further protest
- Dhar organisers warned that they could continue protesting.