**VHP States Only Hindus Should Be Allowed Entry to Garba Events During Navratri**
Mumbai: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Saturday declared that only Hindus must be permitted entry to garba events held in observance of Navratri. The organization also advised event organizers to verify the identity of participants by checking their Aadhaar cards at entry points.
Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule commented on the matter, stating that organizers have the right to set conditions for entry to their events, provided they have obtained the necessary police permissions. However, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the VHP’s stance, accusing the group of attempting to “set society on fire.”
Navratri is scheduled to be observed from September 22 to October 1 this year.
“Garba is not merely a dance but a form of worship to please the goddess,” said VHP national spokesperson Shriraj Nair. “Those who do not believe in idol worship—apparently referring to Muslims—should not be allowed to participate. Only those who have faith in the rituals must be permitted.”
The VHP has issued advisories to garba event organizers, instructing them to check Aadhaar cards at entry, apply a ’tilak’ (a religious mark) on participants, and ensure that the participants perform puja before entering the event.
Furthermore, Nair added, “VHP and Bajrang Dal workers will monitor the events. Garba is a form of worship, not entertainment. Those who do not have faith in the goddess should not be part of it.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-vhp-advises-only-hindus-should-attend-garba-suggests-aadhaar-verification