Tilak, Raksha Sutra: VHP's 'Hindus Only' Diktat For Garba Entry Stirs Political Row

Last Updated:September 20, 2025, 23:41 IST

The VHP issued a directive requiring a tilak, sacred thread, and puja for entry into garba events, aiming to restrict non-Hindus from participating in the festivities.

The VHP has issued a directive to restrict the entry of non-Muslims in Garba events. (Representative Image)

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has come up with a set of requirements, including a ’tilak’ on the forehead and a ‘raksha sutra’ (sacred thread), in order for Navratri devotees to get entry into Garba events. This step has been taken to ensure that only Hindus attend these events.

As part of the VHP’s ‘Hindus Only’ diktat, garba event organisers will check Aadhaar cards at entry points, apply ’tilak’ on their foreheads and ensure that they offer prayers before they are allowed to enter the Garba events. This step has been taken to prevent ‘Love Jihad’, a term used for the alleged conversion of Hindu women by Muslim men.

Cow urine, or ‘gaumutra’, will also be sprinkled on attendees, NDTV reported, citing the organisation’s Vidarbha general secretary Prashant Titre. Furthermore, VHP and Bajrang Dal workers will monitor the events to prevent the entry of non-Hindus during garba.

“Garba is not merely a dance but a form of worship to please the goddess. They (apparent reference to Muslims) do not believe in idol worship. Only those having faith in the rituals must be allowed to participate," VHP national spokesperson told news agency PTI.

VHP’s Vidarbha convenor, Navin Jain, said garba was not merely a dance programme or a cultural event but also a form of sacred worship. “Every participant should be asked to bow before the goddess’ picture at the entrance," he told reporters in Nagpur on Saturday. Any kind of intoxication or smoking will also be banned from the programmes.

“In the last few years, it has been seen that Hindu girls have been targeted for love jihad, prompting us to appeal to garba organisers to not allow such people," Jain said.

ALSO READ: ‘Won’t Be Spared’: Bhopal BJP MP’s Warning To ‘Love Jihadis’ Over Garba Participation

BJP vs Congress Over VHP Move

Reacting to the VHP’s stand, Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said organisers have the right to set such conditions of entry at an event. “The only decisive factor is whether the event has police permission. The organising committees must take decisions based on that," he said.

Maharashtra BJP media chief Navnath Ban also echoed the statements of VHP leaders, saying “those from other religions should not interfere while Hindus perform garba and worship the goddess."

However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the VHP was attempting to create a communal atmosphere in the country. “Creating a communal atmosphere and this country is their livelihood. I am not talking about equal respect for all religions, but the way this poison is being spread does not behove Maharashtra or the country," he said.

Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused the VHP of dividing the society for political benefits. “They want to divide society over religion and reap political benefits out of it. What VHP has said is nothing new. The organisation is born with an intention to destabilise the country," he added.

BJP’s Ban hit back at Wadettiwar, saying, “They (Congress) are the ones who caused rifts in society. The Maha Vikas Aghadi government (of which the Congress was a part) failed to protect Maratha reservation."

(with inputs from PTI)

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