A Navratri celebration in Surat witnessed a temporary disruption after members of Bajrang Dal and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) objected to the participation of three Muslim drummers from a Mumbai-based band.
The event was paused for nearly an hour as tensions rose at the Swarna Navratri celebration, marking the second consecutive year such an incident has occurred at this venue over the presence of Muslim performers. This happened on Monday night.
The organisers later issued an apology and gave an assurance to the protesting groups that Muslim artists would not be invited to perform at next year’s event. Following this, the drummers were allowed to resume their performance.
The confrontation unfolded during a Navratri event organised by Dhaval Munjani and Prince Patel at an open plot in the Vesu area of Surat. Police sources said a large group of Bajrang Dal and VHP workers, along with their leaders, gathered at the site and informed police about their objection. The organisers acknowledged the presence of Muslim artists, prompting a heated exchange before they apologised and promised to avoid such bookings in the future. The three Muslim drummers also offered an apology and committed that they would not return next year. A video of the apology, captured by members of the right-wing groups, later surfaced on social media.
“We are an event management company. We arrange different events throughout the year in Surat. We have a yearly contract with the Mumbai-based musical band. Some of the performers are Muslims while some are Hindus. We have been organising Navratri events for the last few years,” organiser Dhaval Munjani was quoted by a national English daily.
“For the past two years, these artists have been visiting Surat for these events. But after the right-wing leaders objected to the presence of a few drummers, we apologised and assured that from next year, we will ensure that no Muslim artisans will be brought during the Navratri event in Surat,” Munjani added.
Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut was quoted saying that law enforcement was already on-site when the situation unfolded. He said the matter was resolved peacefully and that no untoward incident occurred.
“A police team was present on the spot when the right-wing leaders reached the Navratri event spot. There were peaceful talks between the right-wing leaders and event organisers, following which the issue was sorted and the event continued. There were no bad words spoken, and nobody was assaulted. We have not received any complaint in connection with the matter,” Gahlaut was quoted.
He continued, “We want the Navratri events to be organised in a peaceful manner in Surat… there should be no disturbance. We have directed the police personnel on duty to keep a strict tab on mischievous elements who want to disturb the ongoing Navratri event.”
Mujahd Nafees, convenor of Minority Coordination Committee, told Vibes of India that such incidents are like attacks on the unity in diversity of the country. The fact that identity cards were sought in the presence of the police indicates that there is total failure of law and order and goons rule here, he alleged.
The differences between the people of two religion are increasing and it is the duty of the government to bridge the gap, he observed.
Meanwhile, Nilesh Akbari, the South Gujarat Prant Prachara of Bajrang Dal, commented on the situation, referencing a similar issue last year.
“Last year also, there were around 10 artists who performed during the Swarna Navratri event in Surat. We allowed them to continue at that time, keeping in mind that this was their first mistake. This year again, we received input that the event organisers had brought Muslim drummers from Mumbai, and they are performing at the event. We went there and in the presence of police officials, the event organisers apologised and assured us that from next year this will not happen,” Akbari was quoed.
“After an apology and assurance from the event organisers and our warning, we allowed the Muslim drummers to continue on the stage,” he added.
He also stated, “We have issued strict instructions to not allow Muslims as players or even as bouncers during Navratri events.”
This is not for the first time that the presence of Muslims at the garba pandals have sparked controversy in Gujarat. Many times there have been incidents where right wing volunteers have said that hey will apply tika on the forehead of all participants entering the arena. This is to do away with the presence of the Muslims at the festival. Muslims generally do not apply tika on foreheads.
Muslims may well not be allowed in the garba pandals, but there are a large number of Muslim women who work behind the scenes making dresses and doing embroidery work on the outfits.
A designer, who did not wished to be named, said that she gives job work to Muslim women as they are good at doing the intricate work. Similarly, a Muslim lady, who applies tikkis on chanias and cholis said she has been doing it for years and it is one of her sources of income.
Also Read: Controversy Erupts Over Asaram Bapu Worship At Surat Civil Hospital https://www.vibesofindia.com/controversy-erupts-over-asaram-bapu-worship-at-surat-civil-hospital/
