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The Vishva Hindu Parishad has decided to bar Muslims from taking part in ‘garba’ and ‘dandiya’ events during next month’s Navratri festival across Maharashtra, and also set “guidelines” for the organisers to verify the Hindu identity of participants.
These measures include checking the Aadhaar cards of attendees and applying ’tilak’ on their foreheads. The Navratri festival will begin on October 11.
As reported by PTI, VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said the organisation took the decision to prevent participation of Muslim community members 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.
“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 also issued guidelines for the organisers, including checking the Aadhaar cards of attendees and applying tilak on their foreheads as measures to verify their Hindu identity.
Nair said the restrictions did not mean that the VHP was against any particular community, and described them as precautionary measures aimed at protecting what the organisation considers the cultural character of Hindu festivals.
“The VHP, which is unwilling to compromise on its core agenda of religious conversion and anti-cow slaughter, believes festivals are an integral part of the cultural legacy of the Hindus. And it cannot allow its dilution. However, it admits the restrictions are precautionary measures and not directed against Muslims or any other communities,” he said.
