Archive · 6 Sep 2026
VHP Navratri Restrictions Draw Criticism Over Alleged Anti-Muslim Agenda
The Vishva Hindu Parishad, or VHP, announced a rule for Navratri events in Maharashtra.
It said Muslims should not attend garba and dandiya celebrations.
The VHP also suggested ways for organisers to check whether participants are Hindu.
These checks could include looking at Aadhaar cards and applying tilak.
Navratri is expected to begin on October 11.
Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh criticized the announcement.
He said it was part of an agenda to increase hatred against Muslims.
The report describes the VHP’s decision and the MLA’s opposition to it.
Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh accused the Vishva Hindu Parishad of pursuing an agenda of increasing hatred against Muslims.
The VHP said Muslims would be barred from garba and dandiya events across Maharashtra during next month’s Navratri festival.
The festival is scheduled to begin on October 11.
The VHP issued guidelines asking organisers to verify participants’ Hindu identity.
Suggested checks include Aadhaar cards and applying tilak to participants’ foreheads.
- Who
- The Vishva Hindu Parishad announced the restriction; Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh criticized it.
- What
- The VHP said Muslims would be barred from garba and dandiya events and issued participant-verification guidelines.
- When
- The statement was reported on September 6; Navratri is scheduled to begin on October 11.
- Where
- The restrictions were announced for events across Maharashtra, while Rais Shaikh made his remarks in Thane.
- Why
- The VHP announced the ban and identity checks; Rais Shaikh said the move reflected an agenda of increasing hatred against Muslims.
Criticism of the restriction
VHP-announced policy
Participation in Navratri events
Criticism of the restriction
Rais Shaikh said barring Muslims was part of an agenda to increase hatred against Muslims.
VHP-announced policy
The VHP said it had decided to bar Muslims from attending garba and dandiya events across Maharashtra during Navratri.
Participant verification
Criticism of the restriction
The reported guidelines prompted criticism because they would require organisers to verify participants’ Hindu identity.
VHP-announced policy
The VHP set guidelines for organisers, including checking Aadhaar cards and applying tilak on participants’ foreheads.
- Organization
- Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP)
- Critic
- Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh
- Affected events
- Garba and dandiya events
- Region
- Maharashtra
- Festival
- Navratri
- Festival start date
- October 11
- Suggested checks
- Aadhaar cards and tilak application