India, Sept. 20 -- As the sounds of Garba drums set the stage for the much-awaited Navratri festival in Madhya Pradesh, the vibrant celebrations are being overshadowed by a controversial debate.Senior BJP leaders, including MLA Rameshwar Sharma, have sparked a political storm by calling for restrictions on non-Hindus participating in Garba celebrations. Their statements have turned the joyous festival into a flashpoint for discussions around religious inclusivity, cultural practices, and the growing divisiveness in the state.
The controversy erupted when Sharma suggested that non-Hindus wishing to join Garba should adhere to certain Sanatan traditions. He recommended they apply tilak, consume Gangajal (holy water), and perform aarti, argui...