VHP Bars Muslims From Navratri Garba Events Across Maharashtra
· India · Indian Express, India Today, Hindustan Times
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has decided to bar Muslims from participating in garba and dandiya events during the upcoming 10-day Navratri festival across Maharashtra. VHP national spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair stated that the restrictions are precautionary measures to protect the cultural legacy of Hindu idol worship. Organisers have been instructed to enforce strict monitoring by checking attendees' Aadhaar cards and applying a tilak on their foreheads to verify their Hindu identities. Nair defended the rules by arguing that Muslims are against idol worship, while clarifying that the policy is not directed against any community. The announcement comes just a week after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasised universal oneness and human dignity at an event in New York.
Why it matters
The VHP's directive directly affects event organisers and minority attendees across Maharashtra during major public celebrations, shaping communal dynamics during festival season.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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