Pune: Saras Baug Garden Closed On ‘Basi Eid’ Following MP Medha Kulkarni’s Letter
Pune: Saras Baug Garden Closed On 'Basi Eid' Following MP Medha Kulkarni’s Letter
In a move that has stirred online controversy and drawn sharp criticism from activists, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) closed Saras Baug Garden on the second day of Eid—commonly referred to as ‘Basi Eid’—following a letter from Pune MP Dr Medha Kulkarni. The garden closure, while the adjacent Ganesh temple remained open, has sparked allegations of religious discrimination and social exclusion.
On Friday, MP Medha Kulkarni wrote to the Pune Municipal Commissioner, requesting the closure of Saras Baug Udyan on the day after Eid. In her letter, she asked that the temple remain accessible for the Hindu community. Acting upon her appeal, the PMC closed the civic park on Saturday.
This move has prompted strong reactions online. Muslim political activist Zubair Menon voiced his concern on social media platform X, stating, “On the second day of Eid, people of the Muslim community go to public parks and other tourist spots in their vicinity with their families. Taking cognizance of the letter of Pune MP Medha Kulkarni, Pune Municipal Corporation has closed the public park. This is modern untouchability. The progressive Hindu society here should come forward at the right time and take to the streets to protest against it.”
Local resident Ibrahim Khan, who visited the park only to find it closed, termed it a violation of the basic rights of the Muslim community. He added, “In the letter, Muslims have been targeted. An MP who has been awarded the Sansad Ratna Award polarises people like this—it’s shameful. This will not be resolved by protests by Muslims but through discussion and support of secular Hindus.”
In her letter, Kulkarni cited complaints from Hindu organisations against what she described as the “unwelcomed tradition” of celebrating Basi Eid at Saras Baug. She stated, “Sarasbaug has a Peshwa-era Ganesh temple, and the Muslim community gathers here every year after Eid and brings non-veg food, thereby defying norms which hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community. Some organisations have decided to organise an event, and it will lead to religious confrontation at the garden.”
She further added that the Hindu community’s concerns were valid, as non-vegetarian food allegedly “impurifies” the temple surroundings. “It is not tolerable,” she asserted, and appealed to the Commissioner to close the garden on the second day of Eid while keeping the temple open.
While criticism mounts, PMC Garden Department Head Ashok Ghorpade clarified that the park was shut due to administrative reasons.
What is the importance of Basi Eid?
“Basi Eid” refers informally to the second day of Eid, when families continue social visits, enjoy festive meals, or spend time in public places like parks and recreation areas. While the formal religious observance of Eid lasts a single day, informal celebrations often continue into the next day, especially in urban areas like Pune.
This latest decision by the PMC has reignited debates over religious space, inclusivity, and administrative neutrality.
