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Garba Event Organizers Face Backlash Over Religious Exclusion Policy

A major Navratri garba event in Ahmedabad drew criticism after organizers allegedly asked non-Hindu attendees to leave. The incident has prompted a response from the event's headliner, a popular regional artist.

LSN India · 16 October 2026

The controversy erupted at the 'Rang Morla ft Aditya Gadhvi' event, one of Ahmedabad's most prominent garba celebrations during the Navratri festival season. According to reports, organizers reportedly instructed non-Hindu participants to exit the venue, raising questions about inclusivity at the high-profile cultural gathering.

Garba, a traditional Gujarati folk dance performed during Navratri, has historically been celebrated across religious communities in the state. The alleged exclusionary policy at one of the season's marquee events contradicts this inclusive tradition and sparked considerable discussion on social media and among attendees.

Following the incident, Aditya Gadhvi, the singer headlining the event, issued a public response addressing the controversy. His statement reflected the growing scrutiny over the organizers' decision and the broader debate about religious boundaries at cultural celebrations.

The incident comes at a time when cultural events across India face increasing scrutiny regarding their accessibility and inclusivity policies. Festival organizers have come under pressure to ensure that traditional celebrations remain open to participants from all backgrounds.