Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has said that festivals are inclusive and that there is nothing objectionable about Muslims attending garba and dandiya celebrations. Her remarks come after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) call to bar Muslims from participating in such events in Maharashtra drew criticism from some quarters.
“There is nothing wrong with a Muslim person attending the celebrations. If a Muslim also comes and enjoys the festival properly, I do not see anything wrong with it,” Amruta Fadnavis told reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Her statement follows the VHP’s announcement that Muslims would not be permitted to take part in garba and dandiya events across Maharashtra during Navratri, which begins on October 11.
Minister Nitesh Rane Backs VHP’s Call
Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane supported the VHP’s stance, alleging that instances of “love jihad” tend to rise during such festive celebrations.
Rane said that those attending garba events should be subject to identity verification and should chant the Hanuman Chalisa before being granted entry.
“Those who do not follow idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events. Those coming for garba should show their identity and chant the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry,” Rane said.
The term “love jihad” is used by certain groups to allege a conspiracy in which Muslim men lure women of other faiths into relationships with the intent of converting them to Islam.
Rane further stated that rules governing the use of sound systems, commonly referred to as DJs, should be applied uniformly across religious processions.
“If DJs are not permitted during Ganesh festival celebrations, similar restrictions should apply to Eid processions as well,” he said.
VHP Issues Guidelines for Event Organisers
The VHP said that Muslims would be barred from participating in garba and dandiya events during Navratri throughout Maharashtra. The organisation also issued guidelines instructing organisers to verify participants’ Hindu identity by checking Aadhaar cards and applying tilak on their foreheads.
VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said the organisation had decided to prevent members of the Muslim community from taking part in garba and dandiya events.
“We have taken a decision of not allowing participation of Muslims in garba-dandiya dance during the Navratri festival,” Nair said.
Also Read:61-year-old Commits Suicide In Ghatkopar
“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?” he said.
Nair added that the restrictions were not directed against any particular community, describing them instead as precautionary measures aimed at protecting the cultural character of Hindu festivals.
“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 said.
-
-
-
-
