Mangaluru police have warned that people who attempt to stop legally permitted Dandiya and Garba events could face criminal action, after Durgavahini and Bajrang Dal jointly sought a ban on events they described as “obscene” and contrary to the religious character of Navaratri celebrations.
The organisations submitted a memorandum to Mangaluru City police ahead of the festive season, asking authorities to deny permission for fashion shows and western-style party events being promoted under the names of Dandiya and Garba. Representatives said they had approached Deputy Commissioner of Police officials with their petition.
According to the memorandum, Navaratri has religious significance and Dandiya and Garba are traditionally performed by devotees as expressions of faith and reverence. The groups alleged that promotional posters circulating in Mangaluru and on social media advertised Dandiya nights combined with fashion shows, DJ music and public parties.
They said such events were being planned at pubs, banquet halls and other public spaces across the city. The organisations also raised concerns about the possible consumption of alcohol and illicit substances, although the report does not establish that such substances were used at any of the advertised events.
Prantha Mathru Shakti pramukh Surekha Raj and Bajrang Dal samyojak Preetham Katipalla said commercial celebrations using the name of Dandiya could hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and misguide young people. They also called for legal action against organisers conducting what they described as vulgar or unauthorised programmes under the cover of festive celebrations.
Complaints have been lodged at various local police stations, according to the report. The organisations said they opposed activities that they believed compromised the cultural and religious sanctity of the festival, and sought strict action against organisers.
Mangaluru City police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy drew a distinction between illegal activity and activity that some people may consider immoral. He said anyone who wants to stop an illegal activity only needs to inform the police, who would take action. However, he warned that attempts to stop activities that are legally permitted could result in criminal consequences.
“If anyone tries to stop anything that is immoral in their opinion, but legally permitted, if a complaint is lodged, those who try to stop legally permitted activities will be in trouble as these attract punishment up to 10 years, based on the level of actions they resort to,” Reddy said.
The dispute places responsibility on organisers to secure the required permissions and on the police to determine whether any event violates the law. It also leaves the immediate status of individual Dandiya or Garba programmes dependent on the permissions granted and complaints examined by the authorities.
