Kumar Bahukhandi
Participants perform Garba and Dandiya during Navratri celebrations. The VHP has announced guidelines for Garba-Dandiya events in Maharashtra this year, including identity checks for participants. (Representational Image)
Organisation issues guidelines calling for Aadhaar checks and tilak for participants during Navratri celebrations
Mumbai, September 5, 2026: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has decided that Muslims will not be allowed to participate in Garba and Dandiya events during the upcoming Navratri celebrations across Maharashtra, while issuing guidelines asking organisers to verify the Hindu identity of participants.
The measures proposed by the organisation include checking Aadhaar cards of those entering the events and applying a tilak on participants’ foreheads. VHP national spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair confirmed the decision, saying the organisation had resolved not to allow Muslim participation in Garba-Dandiya programmes during the festival.
“We have taken the decision not to allow Muslim participation in garba-dandiya dance during the Navratri festival,” Nair said.
VHP Says Navratri Is a Religious Celebration
Explaining the organisation’s position, Nair argued that Navratri should not be viewed merely as a cultural dance festival but as a period devoted to worship of the Goddess. He questioned participation by people who do not share the religious practices associated with the festival. At the same time, he maintained that the restrictions should not be interpreted as hostility towards an entire community and described them as precautionary measures intended to preserve the religious character of the celebrations.
The announcement is likely to generate debate over religious identity, access to cultural celebrations and the role of private organisers in determining entry to festival events. The VHP’s guidelines are organisational directives to event organisers; the reports reviewed do not describe them as an order issued by the Maharashtra government.
Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and continues through October 19.
