New Delhi, Sept. 19 -- As India gears up for Navratri, a BJP MLA in Madhya Pradesh has stirred controversy by saying that if non-Hindus wish to take part in garba festivities, they will have follow certain practices, which include applying tilak on their foreheads, drinking Gangajal, and performing aarti while wearing dhoti-kurta, as per a report by Times of India.

These claims were made by Rameshwar Sharma, the MLA from Huzur. His comments come in the wake of rising calls from within the state to bar non-Hindus from taking part in garba festivities.

"They should apply tilak on their forehead, have prasad of the goddess, wear dhoti and kurta and bring his parents and other relatives along too. Anyone wanting to accept sanatan dharma and...