State Bureau, Mumbai: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Saturday instructed organisers to bar members of the Muslim community from participating in 'garba' and 'dandiya' events across Maharashtra during the upcoming Navratri festival.

Speaking to news agency PTI, VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said, "We have taken a decision not to allow participation of Muslims in garba-dandiya dance during the Navratri festival."

"Navratri is not just about songs and dance. The festival is about worshipping the Goddess. Why should Muslims, who are against idol worship, participate in the festival?" Nair added.

Guidelines For Organisers

The VHP has issued guidelines for organisers to verify the identity of participants at entry. These measures include checking the identity cards of attendees and applying "tilak" on their foreheads.

Describing the move as a precautionary measure to protect what the organisation considers the cultural character of Hindu festivals, Nair said, "The VHP, which is unwilling to compromise on its core agenda of religious conversion and anti-cow slaughter, believes festivals are an integral part of the cultural legacy of the Hindus. And it cannot allow its dilution. However, it admits the restrictions are precautionary measures and not directed against Muslims or any other communities."

He further said, "The point is, why should we relax our guidelines for Muslims who don't subscribe to our religious beliefs and style of worship?" adding, "If Muslims are keen to participate in the Navratri festivities, they should come with their family members, wives and sisters. They should organise the Navratri festivals in the mosques or places of their residences."

The VHP's decision comes days after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, while addressing a gathering at Madison Square in New York, emphasised the importance of universal oneness and dignity.

"If any Hindu thinks there should be no Muslims in India, he will not remain Hindu. If you want to call yourself a Hindu, you have to believe that all paths are leading to the same goal. Every human has dignity. There is no difference between human beings," Bhagwat said.

(With Inputs From PTI)