In a move that has stirred considerable discussion, the chairman of Chhattisgarh’s State Waqf Board, operating under a Bharatiya Janata Party government, issued a public plea on Tuesday (September 23, 2025). He urged Muslim youth to avoid Garba celebrations during the ongoing Navratri festival. While similar calls have been heard from right-wing figures in recent years, it is notably uncommon for the head of a Waqf Board – an organization dedicated to managing and overseeing Waqf properties – to express such a viewpoint.
Salim Raj, the Waqf Board chairman, disseminated his statement via the board’s official WhatsApp group. In his message, he asserted that attending Garba events with ‘malicious intent’ could offend the Hindu community and potentially undermine societal peace.
More Than Just a Dance
Raj clarified that Garba is far from a mere social dance; it is a sacred folk dance dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga, embodying the eternal cycle of life and the divine’s boundless power. He concluded by suggesting that if the Muslim community does not partake in idol worship, they ought to distance themselves from such religious observances.
The statement further elaborated that participation by any Muslim individual would be acceptable, provided they adhere to traditional attire, respect the customs, and seek prior approval from the organizing committee. Nonetheless, it strongly cautioned against entering Garba venues with ‘malicious intent’ or attempting to cause disruptions, as such actions would deeply wound Hindu sentiments and risk destabilizing social harmony.
An Earnest Appeal, Not a Mandate
Speaking with The Hindu, Mr. Raj affirmed that his statement was issued in his official capacity as an appeal, not a mandatory directive. When asked about the content and necessity of this appeal, he cited past controversies surrounding Muslim participation in Garba pandals. He reiterated, ‘Ultimately, it’s a matter of faith; Garba is not merely a dance floor.’
Immediate Repercussions and Criticism
This appeal has been met with disapproval from certain segments of the Muslim community. Salam Rizvi, a former Waqf chairman, expressed concern that such calls inadvertently erect barriers between communities. He advocated for fostering an environment where diverse communities are encouraged to share in each other’s festive celebrations, noting that ‘social harmony suffers when people are kept apart.’
Rizvi also contended that while Raj might have the right to issue such a personal appeal, he had exceeded his authority as the Waqf chairman by doing so in an official capacity.