Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari temple rejects 'Boycott Muslims' call from right-wing groups
Lucknow: The popular Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan has rejected demands made by right-wing groups to boycott Muslim workers who provide services to the shrine, following protests sparked by the recent attack in Pahalgam.
Gyanendra Kishore Goswami, a priest and member of the temple’s administrative committee, called the demand impractical and out of step with local traditions. “Muslims, particularly artisans and weavers, have deep-rooted contributions here. They've played a major role in weaving the dresses of Banke Bihari for decades,” the Times of India quoted Goswami as saying.
Protesters in Mathura and Vrindavan had appealed to Hindu shopkeepers and devotees to avoid doing business with Muslims. They also asked Muslim shop-owners to "write proprietors' names on business establishments.
Meanwhile, Goswami underscored the deep-rooted social harmony in the temple town, highlighting the invaluable contributions of Muslim artisans to the temple. He noted that some of the most intricate crowns and bangles offered to the deity are made by Muslims.
At the same time, he strongly condemned the attack in Pahalgam and urged strict action against the perpetrators. “But in Vrindavan, Hindus and Muslims live together in peace and harmony,” he emphasised. His sentiments were echoed by most priests and locals, the report added.
Nearby shopkeeper Javed Ali, who runs 'Star Mukut', said he was directly confronted by protesters who asked him to put the name of the proprietor on the signboard. “I've been running this shop for over 20 years. My father worked here as a tailor. Whenever a customer buys things, I usually give them a bill receipt with my name and mobile number on it. We have nothing to hide,” TOI quoted Ali as saying. He added that the priests’ stance had provided them with much-needed relief and reassurance.
Nikhil Aggarwal, who owns a shop next to Ali’s, supported his neighbour, noting that they have always maintained a cordial relationship and frequently help each other, irrespective of religion.
This is not the first time the temple administration has resisted divisive demands. A month ago, priests similarly dismissed calls to stop using attire crafted by Muslim artisans for the deity, emphasising that religious discrimination had no place in the temple's traditions. They noted that the demand was “impractical” as other communities “simply did not have the same level of dexterity in crafting these attires.”
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Congress holds ‘Jai Hind Tiranga Yatra’ in Bengaluru in support of armed forces
Bengaluru (PTI): A large crowd gathered at KR Circle in Bengaluru on Friday as the ruling Congress in Karnataka organised the ‘Jai Hind Tiranga Yatra’ to express solidarity with the Indian armed forces that carried out Operation Sindoor to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Indian tricolour fluttered at the venue amid loud chants of ‘Jai Hind-Jai Bharat-Jai Tiranga’, ‘Bharat Zindabad’ (Long Live India), ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ (Victory to India), and ‘Our soldiers are our pride’.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his deputy D K Shivakumar, and several senior ministers participated in the march, which began at KR Circle and concluded at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Shivakumar said the event was organised to express solidarity with the soldiers guarding India’s borders.
The Congress state president appealed to the public to join the march wholeheartedly as a mark of respect for the defence forces.
Speaking to reporters later, Shivakumar said the Congress organised the ‘Jai Hind Tiranga Yatra’, and people from all walks of life—including students, government employees, and members of various organisations and institutions—were invited to take part.
"Soldiers are our national pride. We want to salute them. We stand in solidarity with them to convey that the entire country is behind them," he said, expressing happiness over the huge turnout despite the short notice.
