Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 2: A Hindutva outfit based in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, has written to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, urging him to restrict the participation of Muslims in Holi celebrations across the Braj region, citing concerns over "disturbances" during the festival.
The organization, Dharam Raksha Sangh, stated that Holi is a sacred festival of love and harmony for the Sanatan community and demanded that Muslims be prohibited from selling colours or engaging in any Holi festivities.
Speaking on the matter, Dharam Raksha Sangh’s National President Saurabh Gaur referred to recent incidents in Bareilly and claimed that the participation of Muslims in Holi celebrations posed a threat.
“We have decided to prohibit their entry into Holi festivities at Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Barsana, Gokul, and Dauji. Their participation could lead to unwanted disruptions,” he alleged.
Echoing similar sentiments, National Coordinator Acharya Badrish demanded a ban, citing restrictions already imposed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh on Muslim participation in Garba festivals.
"Since they object to colours and gulal, they have no place in our Holi celebrations. The state government must ensure they are kept away," he insisted.
Meanwhile, Dinesh Sharma, a petitioner in the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute, has written a letter in his own blood to CM Yogi, demanding a ban on Muslim entry in Braj's Holi celebrations. He went on to claim that Muslims could allegedly “spit on sweets” during the festival.
Dismissing these allegations, Shahi Idgah Intazamia Committee Secretary Tanveer Ahmed, a legal representative in the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi case, asserted that Holi in Braj has always been celebrated in peace and unity.
"Holi in Braj has always been a festival of love, and there has never been any communal tension," he said. "Even great Krishna devotees like Ras Khan and Taj Bibi, who were Muslims, are deeply revered in Hindu traditions."
Ahmed further emphasized that the Muslim community has historically welcomed Hindu pilgrims, providing them with shelter and food during festivals like the recently concluded Maha Kumbh.
With Holi approaching, the demand for religious segregation has sparked concerns over social harmony in the spiritually significant Braj region. However, authorities have yet to issue a statement regarding the controversial appeal.