Jaipur, Sep 22 (NationPress) As the Sharadiya Navratri celebrations kick off on Monday, strict entry protocols have been announced for Garba venues in Bhilwara. According to the organisers, attendees will only be permitted entry after successful verification of their Aadhaar cards, alongside adherence to traditional rituals and dress codes.

This year, Bhilwara is hosting over 60 Garba venues along with 12 Dandiya workshops.

Hindu groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have stated that their volunteers will monitor the gates to verify Aadhaar cards, apply tilaks, and ensure that rules are followed. Banners indicating community restrictions will be prominently displayed at the entrances.

Additionally, organisers have opted to sprinkle Ganga Jal and Gaumutra at the venues to uphold the event's sanctity. Women are encouraged to don traditional attire instead of jeans or T-shirts.

The Sharadiya Navratri festivities will span 10 days this year. In addition to celebrations at various Mata temples, Garba pandals dedicated to Goddess Durga have been established throughout local neighborhoods and streets.

Ashish Dadhich, co-department coordinator of Bajrang Dal, asserted that these measures aim to prevent incidents of “love jihad.” He claimed that outsiders misuse Garba events to “harass and lure” women. “Navratri is a Hindu festival; there is no place for outsiders. This year, security has been heightened,” he added.

Women participants have been consistently reminded to arrive in traditional attire.

Khushboo Shukla, a former councilor and member of the organising committee, stated, “All days of Navratri are devoted to the Mother Goddess. Women should wear modest clothing like traditional outfits, not jeans or revealing tops.”

Councilor representative Devendra Hada noted that preparations commenced approximately 15 days ago. “The initiatives taken by Hindu organisations are commendable. Clear directives have been issued, and arrangements have been made accordingly,” he said.