Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, March 2 – A controversial statement issued by the Dharam Raksha Sangh, a Hindu nationalist organization based in Vrindavan, has sparked tensions ahead of the upcoming Holi celebrations in Uttar Pradesh. The group, led by national president Saurabh Gaur, has expressed deep distrust towards the Muslim community and raised concerns about potential disturbances during the festivities, which are scheduled to take place at significant pilgrimage sites like Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Barsana, Gokul, and Dauji.
The Dharam Raksha Sangh has urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to impose restrictions on Muslim participation in the Holi celebrations, citing a series of recent incidents in Bareilly where members of the Muslim community were allegedly involved in threatening Hindu individuals.
A Call for Restrictions
Gaur stated that, based on these alleged incidents, the organization had decided to ban the entry of Muslims into the Holi celebrations at major religious sites. He emphasized that Holi, traditionally seen as a festival of love and unity by Hindus, should be free of any potential disturbances. "We perceive a threat from their intentions. They could cause disturbances," Gaur claimed.
The statement from the Dharam Raksha Sangh also condemned the involvement of Muslims in the sale of colors during the celebrations and in participating in the festivities themselves. The organization argued that Muslims had no place in these celebrations, which are integral to the Sanatan community's cultural identity.
Comparison with Other States
Acharya Badrish, the national coordinator of the Dharam Raksha Sangh, further fueled the controversy by comparing Muslims to "separatists and jihadists." He called for similar restrictions to those implemented in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, where Muslim participation in Garba events during Navratri has been restricted in the past. Badrish suggested that Muslims could be allowed to participate in Holi celebrations only if they provided written assurances to the Hindu community, further solidifying the group's position on limiting Muslim involvement.
A Petition for a Ban
In an additional development, Dinesh Sharma, a petitioner in the ongoing Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute, wrote a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, urging the government to implement a ban on Muslims attending Holi celebrations in Braj. In a dramatic move, Sharma submitted the letter written in his own blood, citing concerns that Muslims might "spit on sweets" during the festivities.
Counter-Response from the Muslim Community
In response to these allegations, Tanveer Ahmed, the secretary of the Shahi Idgah Intazamia Committee and the legal representative for the Muslim side in the temple-mosque dispute, strongly rejected the statements from the Dharam Raksha Sangh. Ahmed called the claims "divisive" and emphasized the long-standing tradition of peaceful Holi celebrations in Braj, a region that has always welcomed people from diverse communities.
"Holi in Braj has always been celebrated with love and peace," Ahmed said. "There has never been any complaint from any community. Even revered Krishna devotees like Ras Khan and Taj Bibi, who were Muslims, are celebrated here."
Ahmed also pointed out that during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh, Muslims in the area had extended hospitality to Hindu pilgrims by providing shelter and food, underscoring the spirit of communal harmony. He added that Holi would continue to be celebrated in the same inclusive spirit, with people from all walks of life exchanging greetings and embracing each other in the traditional manner.
While the Dharam Raksha Sangh’s statements reflect the views of the group, it remains to be seen how the state government will respond to the growing controversy.
Key Takeaways:
The Dharam Raksha Sangh has urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to impose restrictions on Muslim participation in the Holi celebrations, citing a series of recent incidents in Bareilly where members of the Muslim community were allegedly involved in threatening Hindu individuals.
A Call for Restrictions
Gaur stated that, based on these alleged incidents, the organization had decided to ban the entry of Muslims into the Holi celebrations at major religious sites. He emphasized that Holi, traditionally seen as a festival of love and unity by Hindus, should be free of any potential disturbances. "We perceive a threat from their intentions. They could cause disturbances," Gaur claimed.
The statement from the Dharam Raksha Sangh also condemned the involvement of Muslims in the sale of colors during the celebrations and in participating in the festivities themselves. The organization argued that Muslims had no place in these celebrations, which are integral to the Sanatan community's cultural identity.
Comparison with Other States
Acharya Badrish, the national coordinator of the Dharam Raksha Sangh, further fueled the controversy by comparing Muslims to "separatists and jihadists." He called for similar restrictions to those implemented in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, where Muslim participation in Garba events during Navratri has been restricted in the past. Badrish suggested that Muslims could be allowed to participate in Holi celebrations only if they provided written assurances to the Hindu community, further solidifying the group's position on limiting Muslim involvement.
A Petition for a Ban
In an additional development, Dinesh Sharma, a petitioner in the ongoing Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute, wrote a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, urging the government to implement a ban on Muslims attending Holi celebrations in Braj. In a dramatic move, Sharma submitted the letter written in his own blood, citing concerns that Muslims might "spit on sweets" during the festivities.
Counter-Response from the Muslim Community
In response to these allegations, Tanveer Ahmed, the secretary of the Shahi Idgah Intazamia Committee and the legal representative for the Muslim side in the temple-mosque dispute, strongly rejected the statements from the Dharam Raksha Sangh. Ahmed called the claims "divisive" and emphasized the long-standing tradition of peaceful Holi celebrations in Braj, a region that has always welcomed people from diverse communities.
"Holi in Braj has always been celebrated with love and peace," Ahmed said. "There has never been any complaint from any community. Even revered Krishna devotees like Ras Khan and Taj Bibi, who were Muslims, are celebrated here."
Ahmed also pointed out that during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh, Muslims in the area had extended hospitality to Hindu pilgrims by providing shelter and food, underscoring the spirit of communal harmony. He added that Holi would continue to be celebrated in the same inclusive spirit, with people from all walks of life exchanging greetings and embracing each other in the traditional manner.
While the Dharam Raksha Sangh’s statements reflect the views of the group, it remains to be seen how the state government will respond to the growing controversy.
Key Takeaways:
- Dharam Raksha Sangh calls for a ban on Muslim participation in Holi celebrations at key pilgrimage sites in Uttar Pradesh.
- The group expresses concerns about potential disturbances, citing recent incidents in Bareilly.
- Counter-statements from the Muslim community emphasize the long-standing traditions of peace and harmony during Holi in Braj.
- The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding religious festivities in India.