Don’t allow non-Hindus at garba-dandiya during Navratri festivals in Maharashtra: VHP

Maharashtra VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair explained that their demand to disallow Muslims in the Navratri festival was consistent and logical. “If Muslims don’t believe in idol worship, why should they participate? In the Navratri festival, the garba-dandiya begins with the goddess puja and arti. It ends with worship. It is a religious event. Yet, if Muslims are so eager to participate, let them convert to Hinduism and wholeheartedly accept our religion. After all, they can trace their roots back to their Hindu ancestors. They are late converts. We have no objection if Muslims accept the Hindu religion and participate,” he said.

Reflecting on the commercialisation of the festival over the years, Nair said, “While events have evolved in scale and grandeur, the core message remains unchanged. Regardless of changes, every garba-dandiya event begins with worship and an offering”.

He further elaborated on the regulations established by the VHP, pointing out that incidents of mischief by certain non-Hindus have prompted these measures. “My question is, why do Muslim boys attend such events alone without their wives, children, or family members? With large gatherings, some come with ulterior motives,” he asserted.

To ensure proper monitoring, the VHP has mandated Aadhaar card verification for participants at garba-dandiya events during the festival. According to senior VHP functionary Prashant Titre, this strict oversight is essential to prevent incidents related to Love Jihad and the infiltration of miscreants. “We have advised organisers to implement these rules, including Aadhaar card verification and the application of the tilak. Non-Hindus should not be allowed,” he told The Indian Express on Saturday.

For the past few years, the VHP has campaigned against what they claim is a rise in incidents of Love Jihad, where “innocent Hindu girls are often deceived by Muslim boys who infiltrate into such events with devious designs.” They claim that Muslims use such occasions to promote religious conversion among Hindu girls.

During the Navratri festival, participants typically form a circle and dance with dandiya sticks in traditional garbha. Over the years, the dance and music have transformed as the festival has become more commercialised.

To address safety concerns, the VHP has also called for the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras at venues and urged the police department to enhance security measures and issue relevant directives.

From the homepage

Police in UP link Sambhal violence to Dubai gangster, issue lookout circular for ‘supplying weapons’

Zubeen Garg, Assamese superstar and voice of a generation, dies in Singapore scuba diving accident

Hindi film Homebound is India’s official entry for Oscars 2026