‘Muslims Not Allowed’: Row Erupts Over VHP’s Garba-Dandiya Diktat In Maharashtra

The VHP’s call to restrict Muslim participation in Maharashtra’s Garba and Dandiya events has sparked a fresh political and social controversy ahead of Navratri. The organisation has issued guidelines asking event organisers to verify participants’ identities, including through Aadhaar cards, and has suggested applying tilak on attendees. VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair said the decision was based on the religious character of Navratri and argued that the festival centres on worshipping the Hindu goddess. The VHP has described the measures as precautionary, saying they are intended to preserve the cultural character of Hindu festivals and are not directed against any particular community. Opposition leaders have criticised the move, questioning its constitutional validity and whether the RSS leadership endorses the VHP’s position.