Garba, Dandiya in Maharashtra: VHP Issues Guidelines To Keep Muslims out of Events

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced that Muslims will not be allowed to participate in garba and dandiya events across Maharashtra during next month’s Navratri festival. The organisation has also issued guidelines to event organisers, including measures to verify the religious identity of participants.

Navratri begins on October 11, and the VHP has suggested that organisers check Aadhaar cards and apply tilak on the foreheads of attendees as part of the verification process.

VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said the organisation had decided against allowing Muslims to participate in garba and dandiya events during the festival.

“We have taken a decision of not allowing participation of Muslims in garba-dandiya dance during the Navratri festival,” Nair said.

He argued that Navratri is a religious festival centred on the worship of the Goddess and questioned the participation of people who do not follow Hindu forms of idol worship. No More DJ in Nagpur! Police Bans Loud Sound Systems and Laser Lights During Festivities.

VHP Issues Guidelines for Garba, Dandiya Organisers

The VHP has asked organisers to take steps to verify participants, including checking Aadhaar cards and applying tilak, reported TOI.

Nair said the measures were intended as precautionary steps to preserve what the organisation considers the cultural and religious character of Hindu festivals, and were not aimed at any particular community.

The VHP spokesperson also said the organisation believes Hindu festivals form an important part of the cultural legacy of Hindus and that it would not compromise on what it considers the religious character of such events. What is The Difference Between Garba and Dandiya? Know Why The Two Dance Forms Are Performed During Navratri.

VHP Declines Comment on Mohan Bhagwat Remarks

The VHP's announcement comes days after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, while addressing a gathering at Madison Square in New York, spoke about universal oneness, social harmony and dignity for all people.

Bhagwat had said that a Hindu who believes Muslims should not be in India would not remain a Hindu, stressing that all human beings have dignity.

Asked about Bhagwat's remarks, Nair said the VHP would not comment on the RSS chief's statement.

Nair maintained that the VHP was not against any community and supported social harmony and peace. However, he questioned why the organisation should relax its guidelines for Muslims who, according to him, do not follow the religious beliefs and forms of worship associated with Navratri.

He further said that Muslims interested in participating in Navratri festivities should organise such events within their own communities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2026 07:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).