India
Archived — This article has been archived. The information may be outdated.
Athawale rejects VHP call to bar Muslims from garba
The Hindu··9 Sept
Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 opposed the Vishva Hindu Parishad call to bar Muslims from Navratri garba events in Maharashtra. He said the stand goes against the Constitution and equal rights for all religions. The VHP said Muslims would not be allowed at garba and dandiya venues when Navratri begins on October 11.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, publicly rejected entry bans at Maharashtra garba venues.
- He said Hindus and Muslims should participate in each other's festivals.
- Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has backed the VHP line and sought identity checks at such events.
What's Happening
- Athawale spoke to reporters at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur during a Chhattisgarh visit.
- The VHP issued guidelines asking organisers to check Aadhaar cards and apply tilak on foreheads.
- VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair said the festival is about worshipping the Goddess and defended the decision.
What The VHP Guidelines Say
- Navratri in Maharashtra is scheduled to begin on October 11.
- Athawale cited Hindus visiting Ajmer Sharif Dargah as an example of shared festival practice.
- He heads the Republican Party of India (A).
all-news
