VHP issues guidelines for organisers, including checking attendees’ Aadhaar cards and applying tilak on their foreheads
Mumbai – The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has decided to bar Muslims from participating in Garba and Dandiya events during the upcoming Navratri festival across Maharashtra. The organisation has also issued guidelines to organisers to verify participants’ Hindu identity and prevent the dilution of the Hindu character of these religious festivities.
🚨 BIG BREAKING
VHP has called for ‘NO MUSLIM’ participation at Garba-Dandiya events across Maharashtra, along with Aadhaar checks and mandatory tilak for attendees to VERIFY Hindu identity. 🔥
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 5, 2026
The guidelines include checking the Aadhaar cards of attendees and applying a tilak on their foreheads to verify their Hindu identity.
Why should Muslims participate in a festival of idol worship? – VHP spokesperson
VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said that Navratri is not merely about songs and dance but is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Goddess. Questioning the participation of Muslims, he said, “Why should Muslims, who are against idol worship, participate in the festival?”
Nair said the VHP considers Hindu festivals an integral part of the cultural legacy of Hindus and does not want their character to be diluted. He described the restrictions as precautionary measures and said the VHP was not against any particular community.
He further said that if Muslims wished to participate in Navratri festivities, they should organise such celebrations with their families at mosques or at their residences.
Navratri will begin on October 11 this year.
