In a recent development, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has issued a new directive aimed at making Aadhaar cards mandatory for participants in the traditional garba and dandiya festivities during the nine-day Navratri festival in Maharashtra and throughout India. This directive, emphasizing the importance of verifying the Hindu identity of all participants, was announced by the VHP's joint General Secretary, Surendra Jain.
Traditional Celebrations and Evolution
Navratri, celebrated with the spirited garba and dandiya dances, holds a significant place in the hearts of the people of Maharashtra. These age-old folk dances have evolved into larger, more commercially organized events over time. It is a time when people of all ages come together to celebrate the goddess Durga with enthusiasm and vibrant dance performances.
New Measures for Festival Organizers
VHP's Surendra Jain, during a press conference held in Dadar, outlined the new expectations for festival organizers. Festival-goers will now be required to present their Aadhaar cards for verification, with the additional ritual of applying a tilak (red vermilion) on their foreheads and tying a kalva (sacred red thread) around their wrists. The primary motivation behind these measures is to prevent 'love jihad,' a term often used to describe interfaith relationships. Jain expressed concerns about the increasing incidents of such cases and emphasized that individuals who do not adhere to the Hindu faith should not be permitted to partake in these celebrations. These measures have been introduced with a focus on ensuring the safety of women during the festivities.
Garba and Dandiya as Acts of Worship
Jain firmly believes that garba and dandiya are forms of worship, providing a spiritual justification for these precautionary measures. Notably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliated right-wing organizations had previously organized public rallies in Maharashtra to protest against love jihad. In a broader context, Surendra Jain also expressed strong support for Israel in the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He condemned Hamas and called for the complete eradication of Hamas jihadis, emphasizing the importance of aligning with Israel's stance in the matter. The new VHP directive has sparked discussions among the public, raising questions about personal freedom, religious identity, and the evolving nature of traditional celebrations. As these new measures come into effect, the impact they will have on Navratri festivities and the broader community remains to be seen.
Share
Tweet
