• Source:JND
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The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has issued an advisory related to Navratri, recommending Aadhaar card checks at the entry gates to ensure no non-Hindu takes part in the religious and cultural 'garba events' in Maharashtra.

The advisory drew sharp political reactions with Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar accusing the VHP of wanting to 'set society on fire.'

He added, "They want to divide society over religion and reap political benefits out of it. What VHP has said is nothing new. The organisation is born with an intention to destabilise the country."

Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that the organizers have the right to set conditions of entry at the event, provided it is being held with police permission.

He emphasised garba as a Hindu event and said, "Those from other religions should not interfere while Hindus perform garba and worship the goddess." "We worship the goddess, who is like our mother," Bawankule said.

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What did the advisory says?

The VHP advisory recommended that the event organisers should check the Aadhaar cards at the entry gates of the garba events, apply a tilak on participants' foreheads, and ensure they perform puja before entering the cultural event.

The Hindu outfit added that the members of the organisations, including those of Bajrang Dal, will actively monitor the events across the state.

Reacting to the advisory, VHP national spokesperson Shriraj Nair said, "Garba is not merely a dance but a form of worship to please the goddess. They do not believe in idol worship [apparent reference to the Muslim belief system]. Only those having faith in the rituals must be allowed to participate."

"VHP and Bajrang Dal workers will monitor the events. Garba is a form of worship, not entertainment. Those who do not have faith in the goddess should not be part of it," he added.

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It is worth mentioning that Garba events are held across India, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra, during the Navratri, one of the most popular Hindu festivals.

This year, Navratri, the nine-day festival, will be celebrated from September 22 to October 1. The attractions in the garba events are music, dance, and dandiya, among others.