The Vishwa Hindu Parishad said on Saturday that only Hindus should be admitted to the ‘Garba’ programs to be held on the occasion of Navratri. Also, the organizers advised them to see the Aadhaar card of those entering for identity. On this advice, hesitated political reactions soon started, but Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that the organizers have the right to fix the conditions of admission in a program, provided they are organized with the permission of the police. Congress leader Vijay Vadettywar criticized the VHP and said that she is trying to “set fire to the society”.
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The advice of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) states that garba organizers should check the Aadhaar card at the entrance, participants should apply tilak and ensure worship before admission. The group further stated that VHP and Bajrang Dal members will actively monitor garba events across the state. VHP national spokesperson Shriraj Nair said that Garba is not just a dance, but a form of worship to please the goddess. They idol worship [मुस्लिम आस्था प्रणाली का स्पष्ट संदर्भ] Do not believe in Only those people should be allowed to participate in it, who have faith in these rituals.
Nair said, “VHP and Bajrang Dal workers will keep an eye on events. Garba is a form of worship, not entertainment. People who do not have faith in their goddess should not be a part of it.” Reacting to the VHP’s attitude, BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that such (on entry) is under the jurisdiction of organizing committees. Maharashtra BJP’s media chief Navnath Ban, while answering a question on the VHP’s announcement, stressed that Garba is a Hindu event and “people of other religions should not interfere in the garba by Hindus and worship the Goddess.”
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Speaking on the issue, Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party leader and former Minister of State Vijay Wadettywar said, “They (VHP) want to set fire to the society. They want to divide the society on the basis of religion and take political advantage from it. What the VHP has said is not new. This organization is born with the intention of destabilizing the country.” One of the most popular Hindu festivals in Maharashtra and all over India, Navratri will be celebrated from 22 September to 1 October this year.