Bastar: A Navratri garba celebration in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh sparked debate after a Muslim youth was brought on stage and made to take part in Hindu rituals. The incident occurred during a programme organised by the Rotary Club at Ganpati Resort, where large numbers of people had gathered for festivities.
According to reports, members of the organising committee and affiliated Hindu groups called the youth on stage after learning about his presence at the event. He was asked to bow before the idol of the goddess, perform ritual offerings, and accept a tilak. He was also given prasad, which he consumed. Witnesses said he even raised slogans in praise of the deity during the proceedings.
Kunal Chalisgaonkar of Saksham Sanstha, associated with the event, confirmed that the youth was included in the ritual and that the entire act was recorded and later shared as a video. The video quickly drew attention, with many questioning whether the act was voluntary or carried out under social pressure.
Community members have expressed concern that such acts blur boundaries of religious freedom and raise sensitive questions about consent. Rights groups have also pointed out that publicising the video could create unnecessary communal tension in a region where harmony between communities is vital.
Local authorities have not issued a statement yet, though police have been monitoring the situation. Observers believe the incident highlights the need for ensuring respect for individual choice in interfaith contexts.
