Maharashtra: VHP calls for barring Muslims from garba events, demands Aadhaar checks

The Vishva Hindu Parishad has called for a ban on Muslims from taking part in garba events in Maharashtra and set “guidelines” for the organisers to verify the identity of participants, India Today reported on Sunday.

The measures include checking the Aadhaar cards of those participating and applying a tilak, a sacred mark on the forehead in Hindu tradition, on the participants.

VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair said that the Hindutva group had decided to prevent Muslims from participating in garba events, arguing that the festival is centred on worshipping a Hindu deity, India Today reported.

Garba is a Gujarati folk dance, performed in a circular pattern around a lamp or idol, symbolising the Hindu deity Durga. It is performed during the festival of Navratri, which will begin on October 11 and end on October 20 this year.

“Navratri is not just about songs and dance,” Nair was quoted as saying. “The festival is about worshipping the goddess. Why should Muslims, who are against idol worship, participate in the festival?”

Nair claimed that the decision was not directed against any community, but was a precautionary measure to preserve what the organisation considers the cultural character of Hindu festivals.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad is part of a group of Hindutva outfits led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the parent organisation...

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