Vrindavan -based Hinduist organization Dharma Raksha Sangh has issued a statement questioning the participation of the Muslim community during Holi and has demanded a ban from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The organization claimed that the presence of the Muslim community could cause unrest during Holi.
What is the objection to Hindu organizations?
Saurabh Gaur, the national president of Dharma Defense Association, said that some incidents in Bareilly recently have been accused of threatening Hindus. For this reason, the organization has decided that the entry of Muslims will be banned at pilgrimage sites like Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Barsana, Gokul and Dauji.
He said, ‘Holi is a festival of love and harmony of Sanatan Dharma, Muslims should not participate in it, nor should they be allowed to sell color.’ Acharya Badrish, the national convenor of Dharma Defense Association, said that like the ban on the entry of Muslims in Garba in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, this should also happen in Uttar Pradesh.
He said, ‘If the Muslim community has to join Holi, first they should assure Hindus in writing, otherwise they should be kept away. The government should focus strictly on this.
Muslim side response
At the same time, Tanveer Ahmed, secretary of the royal Idgah arrangements, has described these statements as a split and dividing the society. He said, ‘Hindus and Muslims have always celebrated Holi in Braj. Muslim devotees like Rasakhan and Taj Bibi are also honored here.
Ahmed also said that during the recent Mahakumbh, the Muslim community had provided shelter and food to Hindu devotees. Holi will also be celebrated with the spirit of this brotherhood. He appealed to the government not to pay attention to such statements and all communities should be allowed to celebrate the festival together.