Mumbai: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has triggered a fresh controversy by issuing a stringent checklist for garba participants and organisers during Navratri, insisting that entry be restricted only to Hindus and made conditional upon Aadhaar verification and ritual compliance. The advisory, circulated across several states including Maharashtra, prescribes that participants at garba pandals must first undergo identity checks, apply tilak on their foreheads, and perform puja before entering the venue.

VHP leaders said the measures were necessary to preserve the sanctity of the festival. “Garba is not merely a dance but a form of worship to please the goddess. They (apparent reference to Muslims) do not believe in idol worship. Only those having faith in the rituals must be allowed to

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