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VHP Sets Aadhaar Checks, Muslim Exclusion for Maharashtra Garba Events
The Vishva Hindu Parishad has suggested rules for garba and dandiya events in Maharashtra.
It says Muslims should not be allowed to take part in these events.
The group says Navratri is a Hindu religious festival focused on worshipping a goddess.
It also suggested checking Aadhaar cards and putting tilak on attendees.
VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair called the rules a way to protect the cultural character of Hindu festivals.
Opposition leaders said the proposal may conflict with constitutional principles.
Maharashtra’s Minority Commission said people should be able to celebrate according to their faith.
Its chairman also said festivals should bring communities together instead of separating them.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad has urged Maharashtra garba and dandiya organisers to exclude Muslims from participating during Navratri.
The VHP suggested checking attendees’ Aadhaar cards and applying tilak to verify and identify participants.
VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair said Navratri is centered on worshipping a Hindu goddess, not only music and dance.
Opposition leaders questioned the proposal’s constitutional validity and whether it reflects the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s position.
Maharashtra State Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan said festivals should unite communities and opposed blanket exclusion from public events.
- Who
- The Vishva Hindu Parishad, its spokesperson Shriraj Nair, opposition leaders, and Maharashtra State Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan.
- What
- The VHP proposed excluding Muslims from Maharashtra garba and dandiya events and suggested Aadhaar checks and tilak application for attendees.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- When
- The guidelines concern the upcoming Navratri festival, which the article says begins on October 11, 2026.
- Why
- The VHP says Navratri is a Hindu religious festival whose cultural character should be preserved; critics say blanket exclusion is divisive and may raise constitutional concerns.
VHP’s Position
Critics’ Position
Muslim participation
VHP’s Position
The VHP says Muslims should not participate in garba and dandiya because Navratri is centered on worshipping a Hindu goddess and is not merely a cultural dance programme.
Critics’ Position
Opposition leaders and the Maharashtra State Minority Commission object to excluding Muslims from public festivities, saying people have the right to celebrate according to their faith.
Purpose of the restrictions
VHP’s Position
The VHP describes the measures as precautions intended to preserve the cultural character of Hindu festivals rather than as an action directed against a particular community.
Critics’ Position
Critics say blanket exclusion can create divisions, and Pyare Khan argued that festivals should bring communities together.
Constitutional and organisational concerns
VHP’s Position
The VHP has presented the guidelines as event-related measures for preserving religious and cultural practices.
Critics’ Position
Opposition leaders questioned the proposal’s constitutional validity and asked whether Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leadership endorses the VHP’s position.
Key facts
- Organisation issuing guidelines
- Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP)
- Affected events
- Garba and dandiya programmes during Navratri
- Location
- Maharashtra
- Navratri start date
- October 11, 2026
- Suggested identification measure
- Checking attendees’ Aadhaar cards
- Suggested visible measure
- Applying tilak on attendees’ foreheads
- Key criticism
- Opposition leaders and the Maharashtra State Minority Commission questioned blanket exclusion and its constitutional validity
Quotes
Shriraj Nair
VHP spokesperson and joint secretary
“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”
wionews.com
“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?”
wionews.com
Sources
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