Several Hindu religious leaders have supported a demand to bar Muslim traders from setting up shops or carrying out business activities during the upcoming Adhik Maas fair in Govardhan.
The demand was raised by Dinesh Falahari, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, who wrote to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking restrictions on Muslim participation in the fair.
The Adhik Maas fair, held in Govardhan near Mathura, attracts large numbers of Hindu devotees during the sacred month dedicated to religious rituals and pilgrimage.
Saints Support Restriction Demand
Speaking to reporters, Narayanacharya Jagatguru Shandilya Maharaj supported the proposal and said, “Muslims have no role in the Adhik Maas fair. We do not go to their religious fairs or pilgrimage sites, so they should also not come here. We want to organise the event with purity.”
He added that the demand made by Dinesh Falahari was “completely correct” and should be implemented.
Another religious leader, Paramhans Acharya, said merely writing a letter would not be enough to enforce such restrictions.
“To ban Muslims from the fair, saints and residents of Mathura should organise protests and demonstrations. Only then will the government listen,” he said.
Paramhans also made controversial remarks linking the issue to religious tensions in neighbouring countries and alleged discrimination against Hindus.
Call for Restrictions on ‘Non-Sanatani’ Shops
Sitaram Das of Saket Bhavan Temple also expressed support for the demand.
He said non-Sanatani traders and “radical elements” should not be allowed to run shops in religious areas during such events.
The statements have sparked debate over religious participation and business rights at public religious gatherings.
So far, the Uttar Pradesh government has not issued any official response to the demand.
