VHP Issues New Advisory: Only Hindus Allowed at Garba Events, Sparks Political Reactions

Garba Celebration in Maharashtra: On the occasion of the Navratri Festival in Maharashtra, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has released a new guideline for Garba and Dandiya events. It has been said in this instruction that the organizers will have to identify the participants by looking at the Aadhaar card at the time of admission; it will have to be applied, and it will be mandatory to get the puja done. VHP says that Garba is not only a dance but also a part of the worship of Goddess Mata, so only Hindus can participate in it.

VHP's argument and purpose

VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair said that Garba is a celebration of religion, not entertainment. He said that if a non-Hindu person wants to participate in it, he will need to adopt Hinduism. VHP also said that the Bajrang Dal and the organization volunteers would monitor the events so that the instructions can be ensured.

Political reactions: support and criticism

BJP leader and senior Maharashtra government minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule supported VHP's move. He said that the organizers have the right to decide the conditions of admission to their events, provided the program is under the permission of the police. At the same time, Congress leader Vijay Vadettiwar strongly criticized the move. He said that this is an effort made for dividing the society and political gains.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also condemned VHP's instructions. He warned that such steps can increase tension in the society and affect the cultural spirit of religious festivals like Navratri.

Safety and monitoring

VHP has asked the organizers to make full security arrangements for the events, install CCTV cameras, and maintain coordination with the police. The organization believes that in the last few years, there was an attempt to spoil the atmosphere in some events, so this time this step is being taken.

This festival of Navratri is celebrated extensively in Maharashtra, and millions of people participate in it. VHP's instructions and political reactions have become the main subject of discussion at this time of festival.