3 min learnUp to date: Sep 4, 2026 05:51 PM IST
Barely every week after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke about common oneness at an occasion in New York, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has determined to to bar Muslims from attending garba and dandiya occasions through the 10-day Navratri celebration throughout Maharashtra and impose stricter guidelines on these attending. The precise-wing hardline organisation has additionally listed the do’s and don’ts for the organisers, calling for Aadhaar checks of the attendees and tilak on their foreheads to confirm their Hindu identities.
Talking concerning the ban on Muslim participation within the Navratri occasions throughout the state, the VHP nationwide spokesperson and joint secretary, Shriraj Nair, stated, “We’ve got taken the choice not to allow Muslim participation in garba-dandiya dance through the Navratri competition.”
“The Navratri competition isn’t just about track and dance. The competition is about worshipping the Goddess. Why ought to Muslims who’re towards idol worship take part within the competition?” he argued.
He additionally, nonetheless, sought to make clear that not permitting Muslims to attend the Navratri occasions doesn’t imply the VHP is towards any group.
“The VHP, which is unwilling to compromise on its core agenda of spiritual conversion and anti-cow slaughter, believes festivals are an integral a part of the cultural legacy of the Hindus. And it can’t permit its dilution. Nevertheless, it admits the restrictions are precautionary measures and never directed towards Muslims or some other communities,” he stated.
Only a week in the past, the RSS chief addressed a gathering at Madison Sq. during which he emphasised, “If any Hindu thinks there ought to be no Muslims in India, he is not going to stay Hindu. If you wish to name your self a Hindu, you must imagine that every one paths are resulting in the identical Objective. Each human has dignity. There isn’t any distinction between human beings.”
When the VHP chief’s consideration was drawn to the RSS chief’s assertion, he stated, “We don’t touch upon the RSS chief’s assertion.” Furthermore, Nair defined, “We’re not towards anyone. We additionally imagine in social concord and peace.”
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“The purpose is, why ought to we loosen up our tips for Muslims who don’t subscribe to our spiritual beliefs and elegance of worship?” he stated.
“If Muslims are eager to take part within the Navratri festivities, they need to include their relations, wives and sisters. They need to organise the Navratri festivals within the mosques or locations of their residences.”
