Eklingnath Rashtriya Seva Sangathan Protests Against Vulgarity in Udaipur Garba Programs

Udaipur: The Eklingnath Rashtriya Seva Sangathan, led by its founder-president Akash Bagdi, staged a protest and submitted a memorandum to District Collector Namit Mehta and ASP Umesh Ojha on Wednesday, demanding a ban on vulgar songs and obscene dances in Garba programs, along with Aadhaar verification of all attendees.

The demonstration began outside the District Collectorate with slogans “Who will protect our culture?” to highlight the need for safeguarding traditional values.

Akash Bagdi stated that the organization had previously submitted a memorandum requesting strict action, but no measures were seen. With Navratri festivals in full swing across the district, many organizations have taken steps to preserve cultural traditions, which the Sangathan welcomed. However, vulgar content continues to be played in several events. In the past two days, Sangathan volunteers tried to advise some Garba organizers, but faced misbehavior and even threats of physical harm.

Bagdi emphasized that during Navratri, the Sangathan demands that traditional Garba and Dandiya programs be free from vulgar, obscene dances, filmi songs, and performers dressing as deities for inappropriate performances.

Advocate Nirmal Pandit, national general secretary of the organization, added that Navratri is a celebration of India’s ancient Sanatan culture, during which devotees worship Maa Shakti. Traditional Garba and Dandiya are performed in honor of Maa Durga, but in recent years, some commercial and misguided organizers have distorted this heritage, promoting vulgar attire, western music, and inappropriate performances in the guise of cultural events, hurting the sentiments of millions of devotees.

The District Collector assured strict action, promising orders to all Garba committees to ban vulgar and obscene songs. ASP Umesh Ojha added that this year police have enforced strict measures, including monitoring late-night gatherings and Garba programs.

Akash Bagdi expressed gratitude to the administration for their commitment and vigilance in preserving the cultural and religious essence of Navratri.