The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has issued guidelines for garba and dandiya event organisers in Maharashtra during the upcoming Navratri festival to verify the identities of participants and exclude Muslims from attending. Navratri will begin on October 11, 2026.&nbsp;VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said the organisation had decided not to allow Muslims to participate in garba and dandiya events, arguing that the festival is centred on the worship of a Hindu goddess and is not merely a dance or cultural programme.&nbsp;<h2>‘Check Aadhaar, apply tilak’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The suggested measures include checking the Aadhaar cards of attendees and applying tilak on their foreheads.Nair said the organisation decided to prevent members of the Muslim community from participating in garba and dandiya events, arguing that the festival is centred on worshipping the Hindu goddess.&nbsp;“We have taken a decision not to allow participation of Muslims in garba-dandiya dance during the Navratri festival,” Nair said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-probes-shameful-nasty-anti-india-racist-remarks-after-nepal-floods-1788705307336">Singapore probes ‘shameful, nasty’ anti-India racist remarks after Nepal floods</a>&nbsp;“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.&nbsp;<h2>Preserve the cultural character of Hindu festivals</h2>&nbsp;The VHP has described the restrictions as precautionary measures to preserve the cultural character of Hindu festivals. The move was not directed against any particular community, said Nair.&nbsp;“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.&nbsp;<h2>‘Muslims could organise celebrations at mosques, near residences’</h2>&nbsp;Nair also suggested that Muslims who wanted to participate in Navratri festivities could organise such celebrations at mosques or near their residences.“If Muslims are keen to participate in the Navratri festivities, they should come with their family members, wives and sisters. They should organise the Navratri festivals in the mosques or places of their residences,” Nair said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-war-may-drag-on-for-another-6-months-ex-us-defence-secretary-leon-panetta-1788699706418">Iran War may drag on for another 6 months: Ex-US defence secretary Leon Panetta</a>&nbsp;However, the VHP’s move drew strong criticism from opposition parties and the Maharashtra State Minority Commission.&nbsp;The opposition leaders have questioned their constitutional validity and whether the RSS leadership endorses the VHP’s position.&nbsp;Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut referred to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent speech in New York asking whether the organisation disagreed with his remarks on Hindu-Muslim relations.Addressing a gathering at Madison Square in New York, Bhagwat had stressed universal oneness and dignity for all people.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-wants-war-again-russian-fm-accuses-berlin-after-drone-incident-1788704526585">‘Germany wants war again’: Russian FM accuses Berlin after drone incident</a><h2>Minority Commission objects to exclusion</h2>&nbsp;Maharashtra State Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan said everyone has the right to celebrate festivals according to their faith, but objected to a blanket exclusion of Muslims from public festivities.Khan noted that several organisations invite Muslims to such events and argued that festivals should bring communities together rather than create divisions.

The VHP-suggested measures include checking the Aadhaar cards of attendees and applying tilak on their foreheads. The VHP has described the restrictions as precautionary measures to preserve the cultural character of Hindu festivals. He said the move was not against any particular community.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has issued guidelines for garba and dandiya event organisers in Maharashtra during the upcoming Navratri festival to verify the identities of participants and exclude Muslims from attending. Navratri will begin on October 11, 2026. VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said the organisation had decided not to allow Muslims to participate in garba and dandiya events, arguing that the festival is centred on the worship of a Hindu goddess and is not merely a dance or cultural programme. ‘Check Aadhaar, apply tilak’ The suggested measures include checking the Aadhaar cards of attendees and applying tilak on their foreheads. Nair said the organisation decided to prevent members of the Muslim community from participating in garba and dandiya events, arguing that the festival is centred on worshipping the Hindu goddess. “We have taken a decision not to allow participation of Muslims in garba-dandiya dance during the Navratri festival,” Nair said. Also Read: Singapore probes ‘shameful, nasty’ anti-India racist remarks after Nepal floods “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. Preserve the cultural character of Hindu festivals The VHP has described the restrictions as precautionary measures to preserve the cultural character of Hindu festivals. The move was not directed against any particular community, said Nair. “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. ‘Muslims could organise celebrations at mosques, near residences’ Nair also suggested that Muslims who wanted to participate in Navratri festivities could organise such celebrations at mosques or near their residences. “If Muslims are keen to participate in the Navratri festivities, they should come with their family members, wives and sisters. They should organise the Navratri festivals in the mosques or places of their residences,” Nair said. Also Read: Iran War may drag on for another 6 months: Ex-US defence secretary Leon Panetta However, the VHP’s move drew strong criticism from opposition parties and the Maharashtra State Minority Commission. The opposition leaders have questioned their constitutional validity and whether the RSS leadership endorses the VHP’s position. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut referred to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent speech in New York asking whether the organisation disagreed with his remarks on Hindu-Muslim relations. Addressing a gathering at Madison Square in New York, Bhagwat had stressed universal oneness and dignity for all people. Also Read: ‘Germany wants war again’: Russian FM accuses Berlin after drone incident Minority Commission objects to exclusion Maharashtra State Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan said everyone has the right to celebrate festivals according to their faith, but objected to a blanket exclusion of Muslims from public festivities. Khan noted that several organisations invite Muslims to such events and argued that festivals should bring communities together rather than create divisions.

The VHP-suggested measures include checking the Aadhaar cards of attendees and applying tilak on their foreheads. The VHP has described the restrictions as precautionary measures to preserve the cultural character of Hindu festivals. He said the move was not against any particular community.

‘No Muslims, Aadhaar mandatory for entry’: VHP sets rules for garba-dandiya in Maharashtra

A fortnight after violence erupted between the Hindu and Muslim sides in Nuh, a district in the northern Indian state of Haryana, a Mahapanchayat (a gathering of people from around 10-12 villages) has been scheduled on Sunday (August 13).&nbsp;The Sarva Hindu Samaj, a community group, has called for a meeting near a village on the Nuh-Palwal border to discuss resuming the&nbsp;Brajmandal Dharmik Yatra during which the violence had disrupted.&nbsp;

According to a Hindustan Times report, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal are also expected to attend the meeting in the Pondri-Kira border village, with an aim&nbsp;to resume the procession on August 28 from Nalhar village in Nuh.&nbsp;

“The yatra is reportedly being organised to boost the confidence of Hindus,” read one of the posters of the meeting shared by the organisers, adding that six people were killed while 88 were injured in the attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haryana-clashes-halt-demolition-drive-in-nuh-orders-high-court-623454">Watch | Haryana clashes: Halt demolition drive in Nuh, orders High Court</a>

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While the Hindu side goes ahead with the meeting,&nbsp;Nuh and Palwal superintendents of police have denied permission for holding the mahapanchayat.&nbsp;

“The situation in the district is under control and teams are deployed across the district, but we are ensuring that people are not allowed to assemble for any meetings,”&nbsp;Narender Bijarniya, Nuh superintendent of police was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;

Lokender Singh, Palwal superintendent of police added,&nbsp;“We are analysing the situation in the district and collecting information to ensure there is no security threat.”

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Arun Jaildar, one of the organisers of the event, said people who were attacked on July 31 remain traumatised.&nbsp;

“We took shelter in the Nalhar temple and were rescued after six hours. The men who targeted us while we were offering prayers are still roaming freely, and only a bunch of them are behind bars. We want action against all who were involved in the attack.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-several-rohingyas-arrested-by-haryana-police-days-after-communal-violence-623003">India: Several Rohingyas arrested by Haryana police, High Court steps in to halt demolition drive</a>

<h2>What happened in Nuh?</h2>

July 31 saw a major communal clash break out between two major communities in Haryana’s Nuh district, the only Muslim-dominated district of the state. The Hindu side took out the procession, an annual affair but the Muslim community, angered by reports that Monu Manesar, a cow vigilante wanted for the lynching of Muslim men was attending the event, went on a violent rampage.&nbsp;

The procession being carried out by Vishwa Hindu Parishad came under attack by a violent mob, armed with stones. After an initial investigation, Bijarniya&nbsp;said police had&nbsp;ample evidence which indicated the involvement of the Rohingya Muslims&nbsp;in&nbsp;violence.

“We have identified a list of those&nbsp;who were involved in the violence and have evidence for it and based on it the teams have arrested them,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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A fortnight after violence erupted between the Hindu and Muslim sides in Nuh, a district in the northern Indian state of Haryana, a Mahapanchayat (a gathering of people from around 10-12 villages) has been scheduled on Sunday (August 13).

A fortnight after violence erupted between the Hindu and Muslim sides in Nuh, a district in the northern Indian state of Haryana, a Mahapanchayat (a gathering of people from around 10-12 villages) has been scheduled on Sunday (August 13). The Sarva Hindu Samaj, a community group, has called for a meeting near a village on the Nuh-Palwal border to discuss resuming the Brajmandal Dharmik Yatra during which the violence had disrupted. According to a Hindustan Times report, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal are also expected to attend the meeting in the Pondri-Kira border village, with an aim to resume the procession on August 28 from Nalhar village in Nuh. “The yatra is reportedly being organised to boost the confidence of Hindus,” read one of the posters of the meeting shared by the organisers, adding that six people were killed while 88 were injured in the attacks. Watch | Haryana clashes: Halt demolition drive in Nuh, orders High Court × While the Hindu side goes ahead with the meeting, Nuh and Palwal superintendents of police have denied permission for holding the mahapanchayat. “The situation in the district is under control and teams are deployed across the district, but we are ensuring that people are not allowed to assemble for any meetings,” Narender Bijarniya, Nuh superintendent of police was quoted as saying by the publication. Lokender Singh, Palwal superintendent of police added, “We are analysing the situation in the district and collecting information to ensure there is no security threat.” Meanwhile, Arun Jaildar, one of the organisers of the event, said people who were attacked on July 31 remain traumatised. “We took shelter in the Nalhar temple and were rescued after six hours. The men who targeted us while we were offering prayers are still roaming freely, and only a bunch of them are behind bars. We want action against all who were involved in the attack.” India: Several Rohingyas arrested by Haryana police, High Court steps in to halt demolition drive What happened in Nuh? July 31 saw a major communal clash break out between two major communities in Haryana’s Nuh district, the only Muslim-dominated district of the state. The Hindu side took out the procession, an annual affair but the Muslim community, angered by reports that Monu Manesar, a cow vigilante wanted for the lynching of Muslim men was attending the event, went on a violent rampage. The procession being carried out by Vishwa Hindu Parishad came under attack by a violent mob, armed with stones. After an initial investigation, Bijarniya said police had ample evidence which indicated the involvement of the Rohingya Muslims in violence. “We have identified a list of those who were involved in the violence and have evidence for it and based on it the teams have arrested them,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Mahapanchayat in Nuh, Haryana on Sunday to discuss resumption of 'VHP Yatra'

Several Hindu outfits in Kerala agitating against entry of women of menstrual age into the famous Sabarimala Temple have urged media outlets not to depute women journalists to cover the issue as the Lord Ayyappa temple is set to open Monday for a special puja.

The 'appeal' was issued by Sabarimala Karma Samiti, a joint platform of right-wing outfits, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Hindu Aikyavedi, ahead of the temple's brief opening, which will be the second time after the Supreme Court allowed entry of girls and women in the age group of 10-50 into it.

The samiti has been spearheading the agitation against the apex court order lifting an age-old ban on entry of women in menstrual age group into the temple, whose deity Lord Ayyappa is a celibate.

When the temple opened for monthly puja for five days last month, first time after the court order, women reporters, on their way to cover the occasion, were heckled, their vehicles attacked and young female devotees forced to turn back as protesters, including activists of Hindu fringe groups, laid a siege to the road leading to Sabarimala.

In its letter to editors, a copy of which was released to the media, the samiti said even the entry of women journalists belonging to this age group as part of their job was also likely to aggravate the situation.

"Recognising your right to support or oppose the devotees stand on this issue, we hope you will not take a stand which would aggravate the situation," it said.

The doors of the temple will be opened Monday evening for puja on the occasion of "Chithira Aattavisesham" on Tuesday, the birthday of last King of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma.

The temple will be closed at 10 pm on Tuesday but would reopen for darshan from November 17 for the three-month long annual pilgrim season.

The samiti said devotees belonging to all denominations in Kerala and other parts of the country and even abroad were on a path of 'unabated' agitation subsequent to the apex court judgement allowing entry to young women at the Sabarimala Temple against the wish of the large majority of devotees.

It alleged that even though the Supreme Court has decided to hear the review and writ petitions on the issue on November 13, the state government was intentionally ignoring the "mass movement" against the judgment and was trying to 'hastily' enforce it using police force. 
"In such a situation, the devotees are left with no other choice but to continue with the peaceful agitation," it said.

The whole issue is about the adamant stand of the state government in forcibly bringing in young women aged between 10 and 50 years which is against the age-old traditions and customs of the Sabarimala Temple, the samiti said.&nbsp;

Several Hindu outfits in Kerala agitating against entry of women of menstrual age into the famous Sabarimala Temple have urged media outlets not to depute women journalists to cover the issue as the Lord Ayyappa temple is set to open Monday for a special puja.

Several Hindu outfits in Kerala agitating against entry of women of menstrual age into the famous Sabarimala Temple have urged media outlets not to depute women journalists to cover the issue as the Lord Ayyappa temple is set to open Monday for a special puja. The 'appeal' was issued by Sabarimala Karma Samiti, a joint platform of right-wing outfits, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Hindu Aikyavedi, ahead of the temple's brief opening, which will be the second time after the Supreme Court allowed entry of girls and women in the age group of 10-50 into it. The samiti has been spearheading the agitation against the apex court order lifting an age-old ban on entry of women in menstrual age group into the temple, whose deity Lord Ayyappa is a celibate. When the temple opened for monthly puja for five days last month, first time after the court order, women reporters, on their way to cover the occasion, were heckled, their vehicles attacked and young female devotees forced to turn back as protesters, including activists of Hindu fringe groups, laid a siege to the road leading to Sabarimala. In its letter to editors, a copy of which was released to the media, the samiti said even the entry of women journalists belonging to this age group as part of their job was also likely to aggravate the situation. "Recognising your right to support or oppose the devotees stand on this issue, we hope you will not take a stand which would aggravate the situation," it said. The doors of the temple will be opened Monday evening for puja on the occasion of "Chithira Aattavisesham" on Tuesday, the birthday of last King of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. The temple will be closed at 10 pm on Tuesday but would reopen for darshan from November 17 for the three-month long annual pilgrim season. The samiti said devotees belonging to all denominations in Kerala and other parts of the country and even abroad were on a path of 'unabated' agitation subsequent to the apex court judgement allowing entry to young women at the Sabarimala Temple against the wish of the large majority of devotees. It alleged that even though the Supreme Court has decided to hear the review and writ petitions on the issue on November 13, the state government was intentionally ignoring the "mass movement" against the judgment and was trying to 'hastily' enforce it using police force. "In such a situation, the devotees are left with no other choice but to continue with the peaceful agitation," it said. The whole issue is about the adamant stand of the state government in forcibly bringing in young women aged between 10 and 50 years which is against the age-old traditions and customs of the Sabarimala Temple, the samiti said.

Don't depute young women journos to Sabarimala: Hindu outfits to media