Muslim drummers at Surat Garba event sparks controversy, organisers apologise

The incident took place at the Swarna Navratri event organised by Dhaval Munjani and Prince Patel at an open party plot in Surat city’s Vesu area on Monday night.

Hundreds of Bajrang Dal and VHP volunteers and leaders arrived at the event venue, prompting police to rush to the spot. The right-wing leaders entered the pandal, approached the stage during the ongoing event, and informed the organisers about the presence of Muslim drummers, which was acknowledged by organisers Dhaval and Prince. This led to a heated argument between the right-wing leaders and event organisers, however, the organisers eventually apologised and assured that from next year onwards they will ensure that Muslim drummers are not called for such events, said police sources. The drummers also apologised and assured that they will not come from next year onwards. Later, right-wing leaders left the spot. A video of the apology recorded by the right-wing leaders was subsequently shared on social media platforms.

Organiser Dhaval Munjani told The Indian Express “We are an event management company. We arrange different events throughout the year in Surat. We have a yearly contract with the Mumbai-based musical band. Some of the performers are Muslims while some are Hindus. We have been organising Navratri events for the last few years”.

“For the past two years, these artists have been visiting Surat for these events. But after the right-wing leaders objected to the presence of a few drummers, we apologised and assured that from next year, we will ensure that no Muslim artisans will be brought during the Navratri event in Surat,” Munjani added.

Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut said, “A police team was present on the spot when the right-wing leaders reached the Navratri event spot. There were peaceful talks between the right-wing leaders and event organisers, following which the issue was sorted and the event continued. There were no bad words spoken, and nobody was assaulted. We have not received any complaint in connection with the matter.”

He added, “We want the Navratri events to be organised in a peaceful manner in Surat… there should be no disturbance. We have directed the police personnel on duty to keep a strict tab on mischievous elements who want to disturb the ongoing Navratri event.”

Meanwhile, South Gujarat Prant Prachara of Bajrang Dal, Nilesh Akbari, said, “Last year also, there were around 10 artists who performed during the Swarna Navratri event in Surat. We allowed them to continue at that time, keeping in mind that this was their first mistake. This year again, we received input that the event organisers had brought Muslim drummers from Mumbai, and they are performing at the event. We went there and in the presence of police officials, the event organisers apologised and assured us that from next year this will not happen”.

“After an apology and assurance from the event organisers and our warning, we allowed the Muslim drummers to continue on the stage,” said Akbari.

He further added, “We have issued strict instructions to not allow Muslims as players or even as bouncers during Navratri events.”

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