Vishwa Hindu Parishad warned Muslims and Christians on Thursday not to join in a lively Navratri festival this month, in the latest bid by activists to step up segregation in the multi-faith country.
Emboldened by the May election victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hardliners in his party and affiliated right-wing groups have been stirring up sentiment against religious minorities in recent months.
“We are warning Muslims and Christians that they should stay away from all our festivals. The Navratri festival is for Hindus only,” Surendra Jain, spokesman for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad said.
The annual, nine-night Navratri Hindu festival began on Thursday. In many parts of the country it is marked by celebrations involving prayer, music and dance among men and women.