Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s wife Amruta Fadnavis has again defended her stand on Muslim participation in Garba celebrations, saying she is being trolled by people who view her only as a “political wife”.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Amruta said she was expressing her opinion as a social activist and citizen, not as a political representative. She maintained that festivals such as Navratri and Garba should be inclusive and should not discriminate between people on the basis of religion or caste.

Her remarks come amid a growing controversy in Maharashtra after the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) called for Muslims to be kept out of Garba and Dandiya events during Navratri. BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has backed the VHP's position. 

‘ID Check Is Fine, But Not on Religious Grounds’

Amruta said checking identity documents for security purposes could be a reasonable practice at public events, but she opposed checking people specifically on the basis of their religion.

Her position differs from the VHP's reported guidelines for Garba and Dandiya organisers. The organisation has called for participant verification and suggested measures including Aadhaar checks and tilak, while arguing that the events are linked to Hindu religious traditions.

Amruta had first expressed her position on the issue a day earlier, saying she saw nothing wrong with a Muslim person attending a Garba event and enjoying the celebrations peacefully.

Nitesh Rane Backs VHP’s Position

The controversy intensified after Nitesh Rane publicly supported the VHP's call to restrict Muslim participation.

Rane alleged that “love jihad” cases increase around such festivals and argued that organisers should verify the identity of people entering Garba venues. He also suggested that participants should recite the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry. These are Rane's claims and proposals; they have not been established as facts by the statements cited here. 

The VHP, meanwhile, has said its position is linked to protecting the religious and cultural character of Navratri celebrations. Its proposed restrictions have triggered criticism from opposition parties and others.

Amruta Responds to ‘Love Jihad’ Argument

Asked about claims concerning “love jihad” at Garba events, Amruta said that if there is a genuine issue, it should be addressed through appropriate legal measures.

She also indicated that existing laws could be strengthened if required, rather than making religious identity the basis for entry restrictions.

The phrase “love jihad” is used by some right-wing groups to describe an alleged organised effort by Muslim men to enter relationships with Hindu women for religious conversion. The allegation is politically contentious and should not be treated as an established fact without evidence in individual cases.

Opposition Welcomes Amruta’s Stand

Amruta's remarks have received support from opposition leaders, who have used the controversy to question the positions taken by the VHP and Rane.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut welcomed her comments and urged her to communicate the same position to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and members of his cabinet who have supported restrictions.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also welcomed Amruta's position, while questioning whether she would similarly ask the government to act against ministers supporting the restrictions. 

The debate has therefore moved beyond the question of entry into Garba venues and into a wider political discussion over religious identity, public celebrations and Maharashtra's approach to cultural events.

VHP Call Has Triggered Wider Political Debate

The VHP's call concerns the upcoming Navratri season, which begins on October 11 this year. The organisation has asked organisers to prevent Muslim participation and has suggested identity-verification measures. 

These are organisational demands rather than a blanket government prohibition. Their implementation at individual Garba or Dandiya venues would depend on the organisers and applicable law.

The controversy has also drawn comments from other political figures, including Union minister Ramdas Athawale, who has opposed excluding Muslims from Garba events and argued that citizens should have equal rights to participate in cultural activities. 

2023 Reel With Riyaz Aly Also Drew Trolling

Amruta Fadnavis has previously faced social-media criticism over her public appearances and statements.

In January 2023, she shared a dance reel with social media influencer Riyaz Aly, featuring a Punjabi song. The video drew criticism from some social-media users, including objections related to filming at an official residence, according to the reports cited in the supplied material.

Amruta had responded at the time that she had become accustomed to online trolling and said criticism did not stop her from pursuing her work.

Her latest comments therefore revive a familiar theme in her public statements: she says she should be viewed independently of her husband's political position and that her views should not automatically be treated as the government's or the Chief Minister's position.

A controversy over Muslim participation in Maharashtra’s upcoming Navratri garba and dandiya events has turned into a political dispute, with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) calling for restrictions on Muslim entry while BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has backed the demand.

The issue intensified after Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, said she saw nothing wrong with Muslims attending garba celebrations peacefully. Her comments have put a different emphasis on inclusivity as political leaders debate the participation of different communities in public festival events. 

Navratri is scheduled to begin on October 11, 2026, and the dispute has emerged weeks before garba and dandiya events are expected to begin across the state.

VHP Calls for Restrictions at Garba Events

The VHP has called for Muslims to be excluded from garba and dandiya venues in Maharashtra during Navratri.

The organisation has also issued guidelines for organisers that reportedly include checking participants' identities and Aadhaar cards and applying a tilak before entry. The VHP has defended the move by arguing that Navratri is a religious festival centred on Hindu worship and that its traditions should be protected. 

VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair has questioned the participation of people who do not follow idol worship in a festival centred on the worship of Hindu deities.

The proposed restrictions, however, have no automatic force simply because they have been issued as organisational guidelines. Individual event organisers and authorities would determine how specific venues operate, subject to applicable law and regulations.

Nitesh Rane Backs VHP Position

Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has publicly supported the VHP's position.

Rane has cited what he described as concerns over “love jihad” during festivals and supported identity checks at garba venues. He has also suggested that people attending the events should recite the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry. 

“Love jihad” is a term used by right-wing activists to allege that Muslim men enter relationships with Hindu women with the intention of religious conversion. The allegation is politically contested and should not be treated as an established explanation for individual relationships or incidents.

Amruta Fadnavis Takes Different Position

Amruta Fadnavis has taken a contrasting view, saying festivals should be inclusive.

Speaking to reporters, she said that if a Muslim person attends a garba event and enjoys the celebration peacefully, she sees nothing wrong with it. She also described the festival as inclusive and emphasised the importance of following rules governing public events.

Her remarks have drawn attention because they came soon after Rane's endorsement of the VHP's proposed restrictions.

The disagreement has therefore expanded beyond the question of event entry into a wider political debate over how religious festivals should be organised in a plural society.

Opposition Targets Maharashtra Government

Opposition leaders have seized on the contrasting positions.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the apparent contradiction between the VHP's proposed restrictions in Maharashtra and the BJP leadership's diplomatic outreach to Muslim-majority countries.

Raut also questioned the position of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Hindu-Muslim unity and urged clarity over the VHP's demand.

The Congress has also backed Amruta Fadnavis's inclusive position, adding another political dimension to the controversy. 

Debate Centres on Identity and Public Festivals

At the heart of the dispute is a larger question: whether participation in a public garba or dandiya event should be determined by religious identity or by the rules set by the organisers and authorities.

Supporters of restrictions argue that garba during Navratri is fundamentally a religious celebration and that organisers have a right to protect its character. Critics say excluding people solely on the basis of religion risks turning public cultural celebrations into spaces of religious segregation.

The controversy has also brought the proposed use of identity documents and religious markers such as tilak into the political debate.

What Happens During Navratri?

With Navratri beginning on October 11, the immediate question will be how individual garba and dandiya organisers respond to the competing demands.

For now, the VHP's call, Rane's support and Amruta Fadnavis's inclusive position have exposed differing approaches within Maharashtra's wider political ecosystem.

The controversy is likely to remain in focus as organisers finalise arrangements for the festival and political parties continue debating the balance between religious identity, cultural participation and social harmony.

The Ashadha Gupt Navratri begins today, July 15, 2026, marking one of the most significant spiritual periods of the year. This year's Gupt Navratri is especially noteworthy as it coincides with rare astrological combinations including Gajakesari Yoga, Pushya Nakshatra and Siddha Yoga—a conjunction that astrologers say has occurred after 12 years.

Key Details

According to the Hindu Panchang, Ashadha Shukla Pratipada falls on July 15, marking the beginning of the nine-day Gupt Navratri. The Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) muhurat is from 5:33 AM to 10:09 AM today. The day also coincides with Pushya Nakshatra, with the Moon positioned in Karka Rashi (Cancer). The conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter forms the powerful Gajakesari Yoga.

Background

Four Navratris are observed annually according to the Shrimad Devi Bhagavata Purana. The Navratris in Ashadha and Magha are known as Gupt Navratri (secret Navratri), while those celebrated in Chaitra and Ashwin are referred to as Prakat Navratri (manifest Navratri). Gupt Navratri is traditionally associated with spiritual discipline, worship and esoteric practices. This year, the festival begins with the rare conjunction of Gajakesari Yoga and Budh Pushya Yoga.

Impact Analysis

The spiritual significance of this Gupt Navratri is amplified by the planetary alignments. Jupiter, the planet of wisdom and guidance, is positioned in Cancer alongside the Moon. Saturn continues its transit through Pisces, its final sign before moving on. This combination is believed to indicate spiritual advancement, self-strength and increased wisdom.

The period is considered especially important for meditation, worship and tantric sadhana. During this year's Gupt Navratri, astrologers say two Sarvartha Siddhi Yogas and three Ravi Yogas will also be formed. These combinations are considered favourable for starting new ventures, banking-related work, technology projects, office relocation and business activities.

However, it's important to note that Jupiter's combustion period also begins today, affecting auspicious ceremonies. Astrologer Dr. Anish Vyas explains that with Jupiter going into combustion, many auspicious activities come to a halt. Some zodiac signs need to exercise special caution during this period.

What Next

The Gupt Navratri will continue until July 23, 2026, concluding with Navami. Chaturmas will commence on July 25 with Devshayani Ekadashi, bringing a halt to marriages and other auspicious ceremonies for the next four months. According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra on Devshayani Ekadashi and remains in that state throughout Chaturmas. Devotees are encouraged to use this period for spiritual practice and inner reflection, with special emphasis on Durga worship and mantra recitation.

Devotees across India are observing Ashadha Gupt Navratri from today, marking the beginning of the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga's nine divine forms. The festival, considered especially significant for spiritual seekers and devotees of Shakti worship, will continue until July 23, 2026.

According to the Hindu Panchang, Pratipada Tithi began at 3:13 PM on July 14 and will conclude at 11:51 AM on July 15. The auspicious Ghatasthapana Muhurta for initiating Navratri rituals is from 5:54 AM to 10:20 AM (IST), based on Ujjain timings.

Unlike the widely celebrated Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri, Ashadha Gupt Navratri is observed more quietly and holds special importance among spiritual practitioners, sadhaks, and devotees engaged in meditation, mantra chanting, and tantric worship. During these nine days, devotees worship one form of Goddess Durga each day, beginning with Maa Shailputri on the first day and concluding with Maa Siddhidatri on Navami.

Many devotees observe fasting throughout the festival, consuming only sattvic food, fruits, and milk. Religious scriptures such as the Durga Saptashati, Devi Mahatmya, and Shrimad Devi Bhagwat are traditionally recited during the observance. Chanting the 32 names of Goddess Durga (Durga Battissi) is also considered highly auspicious and is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and protection from obstacles.

Coinciding with the first day of Gupt Navratri, Chandra Darshan is also being observed today. The festival marks the first sighting of the moon after Amavasya and is regarded as an auspicious occasion in Hindu tradition. Devotees worship Chandra Dev (Moon God) and break their fast after offering prayers upon sighting the moon.

According to the Panchang, the Moon rises at 6:32 AM and sets at 8:19 PM today. Although the most favourable time for Chandra Darshan is shortly after sunset, the visibility of the moon depends on local weather conditions and geographical location.

In Hindu belief, Chandra Dev is one of the Navagrahas and is associated with wisdom, emotional balance, prosperity, and good fortune. Worshipping the Moon on Chandra Darshan is believed to strengthen positive planetary influences and bless devotees with success and happiness.

Religious scholars note that Ashadha Gupt Navratri is particularly significant for spiritual growth and inner discipline rather than public celebrations. Temples across the country have organised special pujas, Durga recitations, and devotional programmes, while many devotees are performing rituals at home.

With both Ashadha Gupt Navratri and Chandra Darshan falling on the same day this year, devotees are expected to participate in special prayers seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga and Chandra Dev for health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.

Navratri Tragedy: Ayushi's Husband Survived the Ropeway Crash — But Could Not Carry Her Coffin

They went together to seek a goddess's blessings. Only one came home. And he was too broken — in body and soul — to carry her.

A Morning Prayer That Became a Funeral

The first Sunday of Chaitra Navratri 2026 was supposed to be auspicious.

Ayushi Satkar, 28, from Raipur, had come with her husband Rishabh Dhavre, 29, and a teenage relative to the Khallari Mata Temple in Mahasamund — a hilltop shrine sitting nearly 1,100 feet above the plains of Chhattisgarh. Thousands of devotees make this journey every Navratri, climbing 900 steps or riding the ropeway that carries pilgrims up and down the steep hillside.

At around 10 AM on March 22, as Ayushi's trolley descended the hillside carrying seven devotees, the main cable snapped. The trolley plunged nearly 200 to 300 feet.

Ayushi died on the spot. Her husband survived — injured, hospitalised, devastated.

And when it came time to carry her coffin home, Rishabh could not. His body, broken in the same fall that took his wife, would not allow it.

The Accident: What We Know

The Khallari Mata ropeway had undergone maintenance between March 16 and 18, just days before the accident, resuming operations right before the Navratri rush began. On the morning of the tragedy, the temple was packed — as it always is on the first Sunday of the nine-day festival.

The trolley was mid-descent when the cable gave way without warning. Passengers had no time to brace. The trolley overturned on impact, throwing devotees across the hillside.

Among the injured were Rishabh Dhavre, teenage relative Chhayansh Dhavre (16), Govind Swami (47), Namita Swami (48), and two children — Kushmita Swami (10) and Manshvi Godaria (12). Four of the critically injured were referred to hospitals in Raipur. At least one person remained in critical condition as of Sunday evening.

The ropeway service was immediately suspended and remains shut pending a full technical inspection.

The Grief Behind the Headline

Every news story about infrastructure failure carries a number — one dead, seven injured, seventeen wounded. But behind this particular number is a 29-year-old man who went to a temple with his wife on a festival morning and returned without her. A man whose injuries were severe enough that he could not perform the most final, most human act of grief — carrying her to her burial.

This is what negligence, if proven, actually looks like. Not just a snapped cable. A husband standing at a funeral, unable to lift the weight of what he lost.

The Larger Safety Failure

This is not the first time a ropeway has failed at a Chhattisgarh pilgrimage site. A similar accident occurred last year at a ropeway near the Bamleshwari Devi hill shrine in Rajnandgaon district. That incident injured a local politician. It made news for two days. Then everyone moved on.

Nothing changed. And so the cable snapped again.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief and ordered a high-level inquiry. He stated that those found responsible would not be spared. These are the right words. But India has heard them before — at Morbi, at Vaishno Devi, at every pilgrimage site where infrastructure failed during peak festival load and families were destroyed.

The pattern is familiar: maintenance done in a hurry before a festival, capacity exceeded under religious rush, cable or structure failing under load it was never properly certified to carry.

What Must Change

Ropeway safety at Indian pilgrimage sites cannot remain a post-tragedy conversation. These systems carry elderly devotees, children, and families who physically cannot manage the alternative — in Khallari's case, 900 steps. They are not optional infrastructure. For many, they are the only way to reach their god.

Every ropeway at every major pilgrimage site in India must have independent third-party safety certification before each festival season — not just operator-reported maintenance. Load limits must be enforced. Inspections must be unannounced.

Ayushi Satkar went to Khallari Mata to pray. The goddess did not fail her. The system did.