The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced that Muslims will not be allowed to participate in garba and dandiya events during next month’s Navratri celebrations across Maharashtra.
Navratri is scheduled to begin on October 11 this year.
The organisation has also issued guidelines to event organisers, including checking Aadhaar cards and applying tilak on participants’ foreheads as measures it says will help verify their Hindu identity.
VHP Cites Religious Beliefs
VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said the organisation had decided against allowing Muslims to participate in garba and dandiya events.
“We have taken a decision of not allowing participation of Muslims in garba-dandiya dance during the Navratri festival,” Nair said.
He argued that Navratri is a religious festival centred on the worship of the Goddess rather than merely music and dance.
“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?” he said.
The VHP’s guidelines include checking Aadhaar cards and applying tilak to participants before allowing them to enter events.
VHP Calls Restrictions ‘Precautionary’
Nair said the decision was not directed against any particular community but was intended, according to the organisation, to preserve what it considers the cultural character of Hindu festivals.
He said the VHP views festivals as part of the cultural legacy of Hindus and does not want their character to be diluted.
“We are not against anybody. We also believe in social harmony and peace,” Nair said.
However, he questioned why the organisation should relax its guidelines for Muslims who, according to him, do not follow the religious beliefs and form of worship associated with Navratri.
“The point is, why should we relax our guidelines for Muslims who don’t subscribe to our religious beliefs and style of worship?” he said.
Nair also suggested that Muslims interested in celebrating Navratri should organise such events within their own communities.
VHP Declines Comment on Bhagwat Remarks
Nair’s comments came days after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, while addressing a gathering in New York, spoke about religious harmony and equal dignity.
“If any Hindu thinks there should be no Muslims in India, he will not remain Hindu,” Bhagwat had said, adding that every human being has dignity and that there is no difference between human beings.
Asked about Bhagwat’s remarks, Nair said the VHP would not comment on the RSS chief’s statement.
The VHP’s announcement comes ahead of Navratri celebrations, when garba and dandiya events are held across Maharashtra and other parts of India.
