News Brief
VHP Asks Garba-Dandiya Organisers In Maharashtra To Bar Non-Hindus, Check Aadhaar Cards
Navratri Garba in Gujarat
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has issued an advisory asking garba-dandiya organisers across Maharashtra not to allow non-Hindus at Navratri events starting 22 September, the Indian Express reported.
“The Navratri festival is not just fun and frolic. It is a religious event where devotees worship gods and goddesses. Hence, non-Hindus should not be allowed in garba-dandiya events,” the advisory stated.
It further stated that every participant should have a tilak applied on their forehead. This, it said, would help confirm the person’s Hindu identity.
Maharashtra VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair defended the call, saying, “If Muslims don’t believe in idol worshipping, why should they partake? In the Navratri festival, the garba-dandiya starts with the goddess puja and aarti. It concludes with worship. It is a religious occasion. Yet, if Muslims are so keen to participate, let them convert to Hinduism and wholeheartedly accept our religion. After all, they can trace their roots back to their Hindu ancestors. They are late converts. We have no objection if Muslims accept the Hindu religion and participate.”
Nair also raised safety concerns, questioning why Muslim boys attend such events alone without their wives, children, or family members. He suggested that some individuals might have hidden motives when attending large gatherings.
He stated that organisers had been advised to enforce the rules, including Aadhaar card verification and applying the tilak, and emphasised that non-Hindus should not be authorised to participate.
The VHP claims its advisory aims to prevent incidents of “Love Jihad” and mischief at garba events.
It has also asked organisers to install CCTV cameras and urged police to step up security during the festivities.
