VHP bars Muslims from garba, dandiya events in Maharashtra; issues Aadhaar, tilak guidelines

MUMBAI: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has said Muslims will not be allowed to participate in garba and dandiya events across Maharashtra during next month’s Navratri festival and has issued guidelines asking organisers to verify participants’ Hindu identity.The measures suggested by the organisation include checking Aadhaar cards and applying tilak on the foreheads of attendees when Navratri begins on October 11.VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said the organisation had decided to prevent Muslims from taking part in garba and dandiya events during the festival, news agency PTI reported."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.VHP issues guidelines for garba, dandiya organisersThe VHP has also issued guidelines for organisers, including checking Aadhaar cards of attendees and applying tilak as measures to verify their Hindu identity.Nair said the restrictions were not aimed at any particular community and described them as precautionary steps intended to preserve 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.VHP refuses to comment on Bhagwat remarksNair’s remarks came days after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, while addressing a gathering at Madison Square in New York, spoke about universal oneness and dignity for all people."If any Hindu thinks there should be no Muslims in India, he will not remain Hindu. If you want to call yourself a Hindu, you have to believe that all paths are leading to the same goal. Every human has dignity. There is no difference between human beings," Bhagwat had said.Asked about Bhagwat’s remarks, Nair said the VHP would not comment on the RSS chief’s statement."We are not against anybody. We also believe in social harmony and peace," he said.Nair, however, questioned why the VHP should ease its guidelines for Muslims whom he said did not subscribe to 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."If Muslims are keen to participate in the Navratri festivities, they should come with their family members, wives and sisters. They should organise the Navratri festivals in the mosques or places of their residences," Nair said.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in MumbaiStay updated with the latest Mumbai news. Download the TOI App.