MUMBAI: A political row has erupted over the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) call to keep Muslims out of Garba and Dandiya events during Navratri, with the organisation also urging event organisers to verify attendees’ Aadhaar cards and ask participants to apply a Tilak as a means of establishing their Hindu identity.
Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh also opposed the VHP’s proposed restrictions, alleging that creating hatred against Muslims was part of the agenda of the VHP and RSS. “Festivals bring harmony among different communities. People from other communities participate in Eid celebrations. Banning Muslims from Dandiya and Garba is cultural policing by the VHP. Shaikh also warned that such directives could potentially create a law-and-order situation and called upon the government to intervene.
Shaikh described the move as “cultural policing” and said excluding Muslims from Garba and Dandiya was contrary to the spirit of the Constitution. This ‘fatwa’ is against the Constitution,” he said, urging the state government to take note of the issue.
The VHP has opposed the participation of Muslims in Garba and Dandiya programmes during Navratri, which begins next month. He maintained that the measures were not aimed at any particular community but were precautionary steps intended to protect the cultural identity of Hindu festivals. “Navratri is not merely a festival of songs and dance, but a festival of worshipping Goddess Durga. “Whether it is Ganpati celebrations or Dahi Handi, the first identity of everyone here is that they are Mumbaikars.
VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said the organisation had decided that Muslims should not be allowed to participate in such events. Nair said organisers had been urged to check the Aadhaar cards of people attending Garba-Dandiya programmes and ensure that participants apply Tilak. Why should those who, according to their religious faith, oppose idol worship participate in the celebrations? Nair said. “Who are these people to give us certificates of Hindutva?” he asked, stressing that Mumbai’s festivals have historically transcended religious and social identities. During Ganeshotsav, irrespective of the language they speak, the state they come from, their religion or caste, everyone comes together for Bappa,” Thackeray said.
