The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has introduced a ban on any Muslim participation in garba and dandiya occasions in Maharashtra. The group has additionally referred to as on organisers of the occasions to “confirm and determine” the Hindu id of individuals.
This warning from the VHP comes a month earlier than the Navratri competition, which is ready to start on October 11.
“We now have taken a choice of not permitting participation of Muslims in garba-dandiya dance in the course of the Navratri competition,” VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair stated, as per information company PTI.
“Navratri is not only about songs and dance. The competition is about worshipping the Goddess. Why ought to Muslims, who’re in opposition to idol worship, take part within the competition,” he requested.
‘Test Aadhaar playing cards, apply tilak’
The VHP has additionally issued a set of pointers for organisers of Navratri occasions to make sure all individuals are Hindus.
These pointers embody checking the Aadhaar playing cards of the individuals and making use of a tilak on their foreheads upon entry.
The group clarified that their announcement was like “precautionary measures,” versus focusing on a particular group.
“The VHP, which is unwilling to compromise on its core agenda of non secular conversion and anti-cow slaughter, believes festivals are an integral a part of the cultural legacy of the Hindus. And it can’t enable its dilution. Nevertheless, it admits the restrictions are precautionary measures and never directed in opposition to Muslims or every other communities,” Nair instructed PTI.
The VHP spokesperson’s remarks additionally come weeks after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat referred to as for social and spiritual concord in India and internationally.
Additionally Learn | ‘Unity in diversity is in India’s DNA’: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in New York
Including that the VHP was not in opposition to anyone, Nair, nevertheless, questioned why the VHP ought to loosen up its pointers for individuals who, in line with him, don’t subscribe to the non secular beliefs and type of worship related to the competition.
“The purpose is, why ought to we loosen up our pointers for Muslims who do not subscribe to our non secular beliefs and elegance of worship?” he stated.
“If Muslims are eager to take part within the Navratri festivities, they need to include their members of the family, wives and sisters. They need to organise the Navratri festivals within the mosques or locations of their residences,” he added additional.
(With inputs from PTI)
