VHP seeks to restrict Muslim participation in Maharashtra Garba events

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has issued guidelines calling for the exclusion of Muslims from Garba and Dandiya events during the Navratri festival in Maharashtra. The organization has urged event organizers to verify the Hindu identity of participants by checking Aadhaar cards and applying a tilak, a traditional mark, to their foreheads.

VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair stated that the move aims to preserve the Hindu character of the festival, arguing that Garba is a form of worship associated with the goddess Durga and is therefore unsuitable for those who do not practice idol worship.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh condemned the directive as unconstitutional cultural policing that could disrupt social harmony and create law-and-order issues. Other opposition figures, including leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), have also criticized the move, noting that such restrictions contradict India's tradition of multi-religious festival participation.