Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Malad Garba Poster Allegedly Calls for Checks on Non-Hindu Attendees
Posters reportedly appeared at a Garba venue in Malad, Mumbai, before Navratri.
A news report says they describe steps organisers should take before non-Hindu visitors enter.
These steps allegedly include applying tilak, tying a sacred thread, and sprinkling cow urine.
The event is reported to be organised by politician Atul Bhatkhalkar.
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has supported a call to keep non-Hindus out of Garba events.
He has also suggested checking people’s identities and asking them to recite the Hanuman Chalisa.
Rane says these measures are connected to concerns about “love jihad.”
Navratri is scheduled to begin on October 10.
Posters reportedly appeared at a Garba venue in Mumbai’s Malad area ahead of Navratri.
According to a News18 report, the posters allegedly called for tilak, kalava and gomutra to be used on non-Hindu attendees before entry.
The event is reported to be organised by BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar.
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane backed a VHP appeal to restrict non-Hindus from Garba events, citing concerns about “love jihad.”
Rane has also called for identity checks and Hanuman Chalisa recitation; Navratri is due to begin October 10.
- Who
- The posters reportedly concern non-Hindu attendees; the event is reported to be organised by BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar. Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad are also mentioned.
- What
- Posters allegedly outline conditions for non-Hindus entering a Garba event, including tilak, kalava and gomutra.
- When
- Ahead of Navratri, which is scheduled to begin October 10; the article refers to Navratri 2026.
- Where
- A Garba venue in Malad, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Why
- The reported restrictions are linked to claims and concerns about “love jihad.”
- Reported location
- Malad, Mumbai
- Event
- Garba during Shardiya Navratri
- Reported organiser
- BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar
- Poster measures alleged
- Tilak, kalava (sacred thread) and gomutra (cow urine) before entry for non-Hindus
- Political response cited
- Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane backed a VHP appeal to restrict non-Hindus from Garba events
- Other measures proposed by Rane
- Identity verification and recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa
- Navratri start date
- October 10