In Maharashtra’s Pathardi taluka, the local villagers have passed a resolution to ban Muslim traders from participating in the Kanifnath Mandir Madhi Yatra. Villagers claim that Muslim traders do not follow their traditions, which hurts their religious sentiments.
The yatra begins on Holi and ends on Gudi Padwa. According to local customs, a month before the yatra, oil is applied to the deity. During this time, villagers observe a mourning period, avoiding fried food, beds, and celebrations.
“Muslim traders do not follow our traditions,” said Sanjay Bajirao Markad, the village head and chairman of the Kanifnath temple trust. “This is a sensitive time for us. We do not eat fried food or do any celebratory work, but these traders ignore our customs. This hurts the feelings of our devotees,” he added.
Markad compared this decision to the ban on Muslim traders at the Kumbh Mela, saying, “Just like Muslim traders are banned at the Kumbh Mela, we have decided to ban them from the Kanifnath yatra.”
He also accused Muslim traders of unethical practices during the yatra. “Some Muslim traders cheat devotees and run illegal businesses. In the past, some devotees were even assaulted. Many devotees wrote to us demanding a ban, and we have acted on their concerns,” Markad said.
