In Bhopal, the Shri Krishna Seva Samiti has drawn attention with a controversial practice during the ongoing festival at its Garbha pandal. Every devotee entering the pandal is greeted in a very specific way, first with a tilak on the forehead, chants of “Jai Shri Ram,” then being offered Ganga jal to drink, and finally sprinkled with gau mutra (cow urine) before stepping inside the worship area.

The organisers say these measures are aimed at preserving ritual purity and maintaining the sanctity of the venue. They also admit the ritual is designed to restrict entry of non-Hindus. “We want that whoever enters here has a pure mind and faith is fulfilled,” said committee member Gopal Thakur, adding that the ritual is not to target anyone personally but to ensure spiritual discipline.

Footage from the venue shows devotees actively participating in the process. Many women, men, and children are seen drinking Ganga water, applying tilaks, and receiving the sprinkling of gau mutra without hesitation. Some devotees even described the ritual as spiritually uplifting, calling it a rare and meaningful religious experience. One participant said, “Even a drop of Ganga water purifies the mind,” while another called it a matter of good fortune to be part of the ritual.

At the same time, not everyone agrees. A few visitors questioned whether using gau mutra is actually necessary for sanctity. Some said while they may not see it as a spiritual must, it does add a sense of safety and order, especially when thousands gather for celebrations.

The Samiti has previously put up posters outside the pandal restricting entry of people they consider a threat to “religious harmony,” often linking it to fears of “love jihad.” They now believe this new ritual, a mix of tilak, Ganga water, and gau mutra, makes the environment safer and discourages entry of outsiders.

However, there are no formal measures from authorities verifying if the ritual truly ensures security or restricts entry on religious grounds. For now, it continues to remain a mix of devotion, controversy, and debate, embraced by many as faith, but also raising questions about inclusion and exclusion at public religious events.