VHP Directs Maharashtra Garba Organisers to Bar Muslims and Check Aadhaar Cards
MUMBAI — The Vishva Hindu Parishad has announced that Muslims will not be allowed to participate in garba and dandiya events across Maharashtra during the upcoming Navratri festival, which begins on October 11. The organisation has also issued verification guidelines to event organisers, instructing them to confirm the Hindu identity of all attendees.
According to the measures outlined by the organisation, organisers have been directed to check the Aadhaar cards of visitors at event entrances. In addition to identity card checks, the VHP has asked organisers to apply tilak to the foreheads of participants before permitting them entry into the festival grounds.
VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair confirmed the decision to prevent Muslims from taking part in the dance events. Nair argued that the festival was centered on religious devotion rather than simple entertainment, questioning the participation of those who do not engage in idol worship.
"Navratri is not just about songs and dance. The festival is about worshipping the Goddess. Why should Muslims, who are against idol worship, participate in the festival?" Nair said. He described the restrictions as precautionary measures designed to preserve what the organisation considers the cultural character of Hindu festivals, noting that the VHP is unwilling to compromise on its core agenda regarding religious conversion and anti-cow slaughter.
Nair asserted that the measures were not directed against any particular community, maintaining that the organisation believes in peace and social harmony. However, he questioned why the organisation should relax guidelines for those who do not subscribe to the religious beliefs and style of worship associated with Navratri.
The announcement followed recent remarks by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square in New York, where Bhagwat spoke on human dignity and universal oneness, stating that a Hindu who believes there should be no Muslims in India does not remain a Hindu. When asked about Bhagwat's comments, Nair declined to comment directly on the statement.
Nair further stated that if Muslims wish to participate in festivities, they should do so accompanied by family members, including their wives and sisters. He suggested that they should organise Navratri celebrations within mosques or at their own places of residence.
