Hindu Religious Leaders Call for Ban on Muslim Participation in Mathura-Vrindavan Holi Celebrations

Mathura- Hindu saints and seers in Mathura and Vrindavan have issued calls to prohibit Muslims from participating in the region's famous "Brij ki Holi" celebrations, which are currently underway.

Religious leaders from the area claimed a "conspiracy is being hatched against Sanatan Dharma" and argued that Muslims should be "kept away" from Hindu festivals. Some have specifically demanded that Muslim vendors be banned from the festivities in Mathura and Vrindavan.

Temple priest Sushil Goswami Nandgaon questioned why Muslims should be allowed at Hindu festivals, suggesting similar restrictions should be implemented in Mathura and Vrindavan as exist elsewhere. Several religious figures stated that since Hindus don't participate in Muslim festivals, Muslims should likewise not join Hindu celebrations.

The controversy escalated when Dinesh Sharma Falari, a petitioner in the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shah Idgah Masjid dispute, wrote a letter in blood to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath demanding the ban. Falari alleged Muslims might "spit" on sweets during the festivities.

A Hindutva organization called Dharam Raksha Sangh has also urged Chief Minister Adityanath to impose restrictions, citing recent incidents in Bareilly where they claim Muslims threatened Hindus. The group's national president, Saurabh Gaur, announced plans to prohibit Muslim entry at major pilgrimage sites including Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Barsana, Gokul, and Dauji.

Responding to these demands, Tanveer Ahmed, secretary of the Shahi Idgah Intazamia Committee and legal representative for Muslims in the temple-mosque dispute, emphasized that "Holi in Braj has always been celebrated with love and peace" without complaints from any community. He noted that Muslim Krishna devotees like Ras Khan and Taj Bibi are revered in the tradition.

The Holi festival, known for its vibrant colors and celebrations, is particularly significant in the Braj region that includes Mathura and Vrindavan, attracting visitors from across India and worldwide.