Archive · 7 Sep 2026
VHP Seeks Muslim Exclusion, Aadhaar Checks at Maharashtra Garba
The Vishva Hindu Parishad has proposed rules for garba and dandiya events in Maharashtra.
It says Muslims should not be allowed to join these events during Navratri.
The group says Navratri is a Hindu festival focused on worshipping a goddess.
It also suggested checking Aadhaar cards and putting a tilak on participants.
VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair said the rules are meant to protect the Hindu cultural character of the festival.
Opposition leaders said the proposal could be unconstitutional and divisive.
Maharashtra’s Minority Commission said everyone should be able to celebrate according to their faith.
It said festivals should bring people together rather than separate communities.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad urged Maharashtra garba and dandiya organisers to bar Muslims from participating during Navratri.
The VHP suggested checking attendees’ Aadhaar cards and applying tilak to verify participants.
VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair said Navratri centres on worshipping a Hindu goddess, not merely on music and dance.
Opposition leaders questioned the proposal’s constitutional validity and whether it reflects the position of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Maharashtra State Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan opposed blanket exclusion, saying festivals should unite communities.
- Who
- The Vishva Hindu Parishad, 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.
- When
- The guidelines concern the upcoming Navratri festival, scheduled to begin on October 11, 2026, according to one report.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- The VHP says Navratri is a Hindu religious festival whose cultural character should be preserved; critics say blanket exclusion is divisive and may violate constitutional principles.
VHP’s Position
Critics’ Position
Muslim participation
VHP’s Position
The VHP says Muslims should not participate because Navratri centres on worshipping a Hindu goddess and is not merely a cultural dance programme.
Critics’ Position
Opposition leaders and the Maharashtra State Minority Commission oppose excluding Muslims from public festivities and say people have the right to celebrate according to their faith.
Purpose of the restrictions
VHP’s Position
The VHP describes Aadhaar checks and other measures as precautions to preserve the cultural character of Hindu festivals, rather than as action against a particular community.
Critics’ Position
Critics say blanket exclusion can disturb peace and deepen divisions. Pyare Khan said festivals should bring communities together.
Organisational and constitutional concerns
VHP’s Position
The VHP has presented the guidelines as measures for protecting religious and cultural practices at garba and dandiya events.
Critics’ Position
Opposition leaders questioned whether the proposal is constitutionally valid and whether the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh endorses the VHP’s position.
- Organisation issuing guidelines
- Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP)
- Affected events
- Garba and dandiya programmes during Navratri
- Location
- Maharashtra, India
- Navratri dates
- October 11 to October 20; one report identifies the year as 2026
- Suggested identification measure
- Checking attendees’ Aadhaar cards
- Suggested visible measure
- Applying tilak to participants’ foreheads
- Key criticism
- Opposition leaders and the Maharashtra State Minority Commission questioned Muslim exclusion, its constitutional validity, and its effect on social unity
