Bhilwara: Organizers of Garba celebrations in Bhilwara have introduced new entry guidelines this year, requiring attendees to present Aadhaar cards and have a tilak applied before entering the pandals. Women are also being encouraged to wear traditional attire, avoiding jeans and T-shirts, as part of the festival decorum.
The move comes after several right-wing organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, held meetings with Garba pandal committees to implement stricter security and entry protocols. Volunteers from these organizations are stationed at entry points to verify identity and apply tilak to all visitors. Banners at the entrances also indicate restrictions on the entry of individuals from communities deemed “unwanted.”
Local Bajrang Dal leader Ashish Dadhich stated that security has been strengthened to prevent misuse of the festival by outsiders. He noted that the measures aim to avoid incidents of “love jihad” that, according to him, have occurred during similar festivals elsewhere.
Women participants have been advised to maintain cultural decorum by wearing traditional Garba attire. The guidelines are being promoted widely across the city to ensure compliance.
Additionally, BJP state president Madan Rathore, during his visit to Jodhpur, supported the step, saying that certain measures are necessary to prevent unwanted elements from entering Garba events.
