Garba for Some, Not for Others? Ahmedabad’s Viral Religious Controversy

A viral video from Ahmedabad has sparked a heated debate over religion, cultural traditions and inclusion after non-Hindus and Muslims were asked to leave a Garba event during Navratri. The incident took place on October 14 at the “Rang Morla ft. Aditya Gadhvi” programme in the Shela area of Ahmedabad.

In the video, anchor and radio jockey Akash Trivedi can be heard asking people from other religions to leave the venue. He also referred to the presence of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) volunteers and encouraged attendees to report people considered suspicious. The announcement quickly spread across social media, attracting criticism and raising questions about religious inclusion at cultural events.

The controversy grew after Gujarati folk singer Aditya Gadhvi publicly distanced himself from the announcement. He said it was not his message and claimed his team had not been consulted. He also emphasised that Garba had traditionally brought people of different faiths together and that anyone participating with love and respect for Maa Ambe should feel welcome.

Meanwhile, a Gujarat VHP spokesperson defended the volunteers’ presence, describing their actions as part of efforts to restrict non-Hindus from entering Garba venues. Police have taken cognisance of the controversial remarks, according to local reporting.

The incident raises a difficult question: should participation in a cultural event be determined by religious identity, or should organisers focus on conduct and respect for the event?

Garba is both a devotional tradition and a major cultural celebration. The debate now extends beyond one event to the wider question of how communities can preserve religious traditions while treating people fairly.

The bigger question is simple: can devotion and cultural identity be protected without turning them into barriers between communities?