'They may spit on sweets': Hindutva outfit seeks ban on participation of Muslims in Holi celebrations

Lucknow After the Maha Kumbh, the saffron outfits have demanded ban on the entry of Muslims in the famous ‘Brij ki Holi’ celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan saying that they (Muslims) may ‘spit’ on the sweets and other items and sell ‘adulterated’ colours.

In a letter to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, president of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Trust Dinesh Sharma said that like the Maha Kumbh, the Muslims should be ‘kept away’ from the ‘Brij ki Holi’ celebrations.

‘’They (Muslims) may sell adulterated colours and spit on the sweets.....they must not be allowed in the celebrations,’’ Sharma said in his letter.

National president of Dharma Raksha Sangh, Sourav Gaur said that the Muslims would not be allowed to set up shops in Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Gokul, Dauji and other religious places during the Holi celebrations.

‘’Holi is the festival of love and harmony.....we do not want any member of the Muslim community to gain entry into the celebrations and create disturbance,’’ Gaur said.

Muslim leaders sharply reacted to the demand and said that such a move could disrupt communal harmony in the country.

‘’There has been a tradition of Muslims greeting their Hindu brethren on the occasion of Holi festivals in the region. Such a statement is divisive and must be condemned,’’ Tanveer Ahmed, who was associated with the Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura, said.

The All India Akhara Parishad (AIAP), an apex body of the Akharas in the country, had banned the entry of the Muslims in the recently concluded Maha Kumbh.

The Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan attract visitors from across the country and abroad.