'Tilak', Raksha Sutra', 'Gau Mutra': VHP's Criteria For Garba Entry Spark Row

Controversy Erupts Over VHP's Hindu-Only Garba Entry Requirements

Opposition parties have accused the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) of attempting to create societal divisions through newly announced restrictions for garba events.

In a move aimed at ensuring exclusively Hindu participation in garba celebrations, the VHP has established specific entry requirements: attendees must receive a 'tilak' (forehead marking), wear a 'raksha sutra' (sacred thread), and offer prayers to a Hindu deity before admission.

According to Prashant Titre, the VHP's Vidarbha general secretary, who spoke in Nagpur on Saturday, participants will also be sprinkled with 'gau mutra' (cow urine). He further stated that VHP and Bajrang Dal members will monitor garba venues to enforce these protocols during Navratra festivities, which commence Sunday and conclude October 1.

The VHP maintains these measures are essential to restrict entry to Hindus only and prevent instances of "love jihad" – a term right-wing organizations use to describe alleged conversion attempts of Hindu females by Muslim males. This concern typically resurfaces annually before Navratra celebrations.

"Garba represents more than just dancing – it's a devotional practice honoring the goddess. Those who don't embrace idol worship should not participate. Only individuals respecting these sacred traditions should be allowed to join," explained VHP national spokesperson Shriraj Nair to PTI news agency.

While opposition groups have criticized the VHP and Sangh for implementing divisive mandates, Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule defended organizers' rights to establish entry criteria.

"Each organizing committee establishes specific regulations, which they're entitled to enforce. Provided they've secured police authorization for the event, no issues arise," Bawankule stated.

Maharashtra BJP media head Navnath Ban emphasized that garba is a Hindu celebration and those from other faiths "should avoid interference."

However, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut condemned what he described as deliberate creation of communal tensions.

"Fostering communal discord in this country constitutes their livelihood. I'm not advocating for religious equality per se, but this manner of spreading division dishonors both Maharashtra and India," he remarked.

The Congress party adopted an even more critical position, asserting that BJP-affiliated organizations would resort to any measures to acquire or maintain political power.

"They seek to further divide us and exploit religion politically for their benefit. This VHP position isn't novel – their objective is destabilizing the nation. They'll employ any tactic, worsening national conditions, to secure power. All BJP-associated organizations follow identical strategies... Maharashtra's strength lies in unity amid diversity, which shouldn't be compromised," a Congress spokesperson declared.