Pune: Sarasbaug Garden Shut After Eid Amid Claims of Muslims Bringing Non-Veg Food

Pune, 8th June 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has drawn sharp criticism for keeping Sarasbaug Garden closed on the day after Eid, traditionally a time when many Muslim families in the city visit public parks and tourist spots for informal celebrations known as “Basi Eid.”

The decision came after Pune BJP MP Medha Kulkarni wrote a letter to the Municipal Commissioner on Friday, requesting that the garden be shut on the second day of Eid while allowing access to the historic Ganesh temple located within the premises. Kulkarni cited concerns raised by Hindu groups over what she described as an “unacceptable tradition” of Eid gatherings at the park, alleging that the presence of non-vegetarian food during these visits was offensive to the religious sentiments of temple devotees.

In her letter, Kulkarni stated, “Sarasbaug holds a sacred Ganesh temple from the Peshwa era. Each year, members of the Muslim community gather in large numbers after Eid, and reports suggest they bring non-vegetarian food, which hurts Hindu religious sentiments. There is a likelihood of conflict if such gatherings coincide with temple events.”

She further claimed, “This demand is not about discrimination but about maintaining the sanctity of a religious site. It is necessary to prevent tension and preserve peace.”

However, the move has sparked strong backlash online and among civil society groups, who allege that the closure is discriminatory and promotes religious exclusion.

Muslim social activist Zubair Memon condemned the decision on social media, calling it a form of “modern untouchability.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “The second day of Eid is a time when Muslim families visit local parks and public spaces. Based on a letter from an MP, the PMC shuts down one of the city’s key gardens. This is exclusion in the garb of civic action. It’s unfortunate and unjustified.”

Memon also urged the larger civil society to intervene. “This is not just a Muslim issue. Progressive Hindus should step forward to oppose such polarising moves. Solutions should come through dialogue, not discrimination.”

Efforts to reach Ashok Ghorpade, head of PMC’s Garden Department, for an official comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

What is ‘Basi Eid’?

Though Eid is officially a one-day festival, many Muslims continue informal celebrations the following day. Known colloquially as “Basi Eid,” the day often involves family outings, meals, and leisure time in public places like parks, malls, or tourist spots. In Pune, parks like Sarasbaug have traditionally seen increased footfall on this day.