Mangaluru: Durga Vahini seeks ban on indecent dandiya events amid Navratri celebrations

Mangaluru: Durga Vahini, the women’s wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad, have submitted a petition to the Mangaluru Police Commissioner, urging a ban on indecent dance programs allegedly being organized under the guise of “religious Dandiya” during Navratri celebrations in and around the city.

According to the complaint, invitation pamphlets have been distributed, encouraging both young men and women to freely participate in these events.

Dandiya is traditionally a religious dance event performed during Navratri in honor of Goddess Durga. The petitioners argue that such events, especially in the sacred coastal region, should not be allowed to take on indecent forms. They cited incidents from last year, where complaints were raised about the consumption of drugs and vulgar dancing during similar programs, which hurt religious sentiments.

Given that Mangaluru is a communally sensitive area, the VHP and Durga Vahini fear that allowing such events could disrupt communal harmony. District coordinators Shweta Adyapady, Tulasi S. Mendon, and Matrushakti District Coordinator Sukanya Rao have strongly urged the authorities to deny permission for such programs, emphasizing the need to protect both religious sanctity and public order.