Archive · 5 Sep 2026
VHP Seeks Muslim Ban at Maharashtra Garba Events During Navratri
The VHP wants Muslims kept out of garba and dandiya events in Maharashtra during Navratri.
Navratri is a Hindu festival that includes dancing and worship of Goddess Durga.
The VHP says these events should remain connected to Hindu religious traditions.
It asked organisers to check Aadhaar cards at the entrances.
It also proposed putting a tilak on attendees’ foreheads.
News18 reported that attendees may have to join aarti and worship Goddess Durga.
News18 also reported that VHP and Bajrang Dal volunteers may monitor venues and checkpoints.
Shriraj Nair said the rules are precautions and are not directed against a community.
Critics said the restrictions are divisive and may not be legally enforceable, while ruling coalition representatives defended private organisers’ ability to set entry rules with valid police permissions.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad said Muslims should not participate in garba and dandiya events across Maharashtra during Navratri.
The VHP instructed organisers to check attendees’ Aadhaar cards and apply tilaks to verify Hindu identity.
News18 reported that attendees would also be asked to join aarti and worship Goddess Durga upon entering venues.
VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair called the restrictions precautionary measures intended to protect Hindu festivals’ cultural character.
Opposition leaders called the guidelines divisive and legally unenforceable, while ruling coalition representatives cited private organisers’ authority when police permissions are valid.
- Who
- The Vishva Hindu Parishad, represented by spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair, issued the guidelines; Muslim attendees would be affected.
- What
- The VHP called for excluding Muslims from Maharashtra garba and dandiya events and proposed Aadhaar checks, tilaks, aarti, and worship of Goddess Durga at venues.
- When
- The announcement was reported on September 5, 2026; the 10-day Navratri festival was reported to begin on October 11.
- Where
- Garba and dandiya venues across Maharashtra, India; RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s contrasting remarks were made in New York.
- Why
- The VHP said Navratri centres on worship of the Goddess and that people who do not share the associated religious beliefs should not participate.
VHP’s Religious and Cultural Position
Critics’ Inclusion and Legal Concerns
Muslim participation
VHP’s Religious and Cultural Position
The VHP says Muslims should not participate because Navratri is a devotional festival centred on worship of the Goddess, and it questions participation by people who do not share those beliefs.
Critics’ Inclusion and Legal Concerns
Opposition political leaders described the proposed exclusion as divisive and legally unenforceable.
Purpose of the restrictions
VHP’s Religious and Cultural Position
Shriraj Nair described the measures as precautionary steps to protect the cultural character of Hindu festivals and said they were not directed against any particular community.
Critics’ Inclusion and Legal Concerns
Critics view the proposed exclusion and identity checks as discriminatory; the guidelines also contrast with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s reported emphasis on human dignity and respect for all faith paths.
Control over event entry
VHP’s Religious and Cultural Position
The VHP called for organisers and security personnel to enforce identity checks and religious-participation requirements at venues.
Critics’ Inclusion and Legal Concerns
Ruling coalition representatives said private event committees may set entry rules if they have valid police permissions.
- Organisation
- Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP)
- Affected events
- Garba and dandiya celebrations
- Location
- Maharashtra, India
- Festival timing
- The 10-day Navratri festival was reported to begin October 11
- Proposed entry measures
- Aadhaar-card screening, forehead tilaks, participation in aarti, and worship of Goddess Durga
- Monitoring
- News18 reported that VHP and Bajrang Dal volunteers would patrol venues and gate checkpoints
- Political reaction
- Opposition leaders criticised the guidelines as divisive and legally unenforceable; ruling coalition representatives said private committees may set entry rules with valid police permissions
Sources
‘No Muslims, tilak must for attendees’: VHP’s rule for Navratri events in Maharashtra
VHP bars Muslims from garba, dandiya; issues Aadhaar, tilak guidelines
VHP Bars Muslims From Garba, Dandiya Events Statewide In Maharashtra
VHP bars Muslims from garba, dandiya events in Maha
VHP Bars Muslims From Garba, Dandiya Events Across Maharashtra
Aadhaar, Tilak, Aarti: VHP Calls For Muslim Ban At Maharashtra Garba Events During Navratri
