Amruta Fadnavis, social worker and wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has entered the debate over Muslim participation in Garba and Dandiya events, arguing that Hindu festivals should remain open to people from different communities who participate peacefully and respectfully.
Speaking to reporters after a Dahi Handi programme in Nagpur, Amruta Fadnavis also addressed the criticism directed at her over her position, saying she had been labelled the “most trolled” minister’s wife.
Her remarks come amid a growing political controversy in Maharashtra over calls to restrict the participation of Muslims in Garba and Dandiya celebrations ahead of Navratri.
Amruta Fadnavis argues for inclusive celebrations
Amruta Fadnavis said people should not be prevented from participating in Hindu festivals solely because of their religious identity if they attend with faith, respect and their families and do not create any disturbance.
She argued that Hindu festivals have traditionally reflected a diversity of practices and said celebrations should be accessible to people who genuinely wish to participate.
Referring to festivals including Dahi Handi, Navratri and Garba, she said those who join such events peacefully should be welcomed irrespective of caste or community.
She also drew a comparison with celebrations such as Christmas and New Year, which are widely observed by people belonging to different faiths.
‘Minister’s wife is the most trolled’
Responding to criticism over her comments, Amruta Fadnavis said, “The minister’s wife is the most trolled. I have been given this title.”
Her comments came as political and social debate intensified over whether organisers should verify the identities of people attending Garba and Dandiya events.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has issued guidelines to organisers that include identity verification of participants. Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has supported the move.
Rane has linked his position to concerns surrounding what he describes as “love jihad”, a term used by some Hindu groups to allege that Muslim men deliberately target Hindu women for relationships or marriage. The claim remains politically contested.
Amruta calls for stronger laws
On the ‘love jihad’ debate, Amruta Fadnavis said concerns raised by some people about restricting festival participation should be considered in the context of such cases.
However, she argued that restrictions at religious events should not be viewed as the only solution and called for a longer-term approach.
She also said laws should be made stricter to prevent cases that she believes fall under the ‘love jihad’ narrative.
At the same time, she questioned whether young Hindu women were being adequately exposed to their own religious traditions.
She asked whether girls were familiar with texts and traditions associated with the Vedas, Puranas and Mahabharata and whether they felt confident about their religious identity.
According to her argument, stronger awareness of religious traditions could help reduce such concerns over time.
Questions gender roles at Garba and Dahi Handi events
Amruta Fadnavis also raised the issue of gender equality during traditional celebrations.
She questioned why women are often expected to dance at certain events while men take part in activities such as forming human pyramids during Dahi Handi celebrations.
She said both men and women should have the opportunity to participate in different activities rather than being assigned roles based solely on gender.
Drawing a comparison with entertainment venues, she questioned why women should be expected to dance at Garba events while men dominate other forms of participation.
Her comments came after she had made similar remarks in Chandrapur a day earlier, where she said she saw nothing wrong with Muslims attending Garba celebrations provided they participated peacefully.
Debate intensifies ahead of Navratri
The controversy has gained momentum ahead of Navratri, which begins on October 11 this year.
While the VHP has called for identity checks at Garba and Dandiya venues, Nitesh Rane has backed restrictions and argued that people who do not believe in idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events.
Not everyone within the ruling alliance has supported that position. Union minister and Republican Party of India (A) leader Ramdas Athawale has opposed calls to prevent Muslims from attending Garba events.
Amruta Fadnavis has meanwhile maintained that religious freedom should coexist with rules governing public gatherings.
She said people have the right to practise their faith, but public events must follow regulations and should not cause inconvenience to others.
On loud music and DJs, she said she was not demanding a complete ban but maintained that organisers should comply with prescribed noise limits and other rules.
Her comments add another voice to an increasingly contentious debate in Maharashtra over religious participation, public celebrations, identity checks and the politics surrounding Garba events ahead of Navratri.
