Banke Bihari Temple Authorities Reject Ban On Dresses Made By Muslims for Deity

The Banke Bihari Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Vrindavan have dismissed the proposal to ban dresses tailored by Muslim weavers for the idol of Lord Krishna proposed by some Hindu groups. The temple administration said, "If members of the Muslim community have faith in Thakurji, we have no objection to accepting 'poshaks' from them."

This news comes amid the upcoming Hindu festival of Holi that is coinciding with the Jumma prayers of the Muslim community on March 14 and tensions being observed in parts of UP and Bihar as the political leaders made several contentious statements.

Holi is a hugely celebrated in Vrindavan as it is popularly believed that Lord Krishna played Holi with Radha and other 'gopis' in the forests of Vrindavan. 'Phoolon ki Holi' is a celebration to witness at Banke Bihari Temple each year.

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Who Was Against Muslim Weavers Offering 'Poshak' To Lord Krishna?

Dinesh Falahari, president of Shri Krishna Janambhumi Sangharsh Nyas who is also involved in the ongoing Shahi Idgah mosque dispute in Mathura had reportedly submitted a memorandum to the temple administration demanding ban on dresses or 'poshak' offered to the deity by Muslim weavers.

The concerned memorandum stated, "If any heretic who does not follow our religion offers anything made by their hands to Thakurji (Lord Krishna), it cannot be accepted, and those who do so are committing a grave sin."

What Did Temple Authorities Say?

The temple administration clarified to the media that "no changes have been made to the selection process for the deity's dresses."

Gyanendra Kishor Goswami, a member of the temple administration, told TOI, "We received a proposal to stop using 'poshaks' (attire) made by Muslim weavers. Our primary concern is to ensure purity and sanctity of the 'poshaks' offered to Thakurji. If members of the Muslim community have faith in Thakurji, we have no objection to accepting 'poshaks' from them."

He added that anyone is free to submit proposals.

Goswami also mentioned that the 164-year-old temple is visited by 30,000 to 40,000 devotees from diverse backgrounds every day, with the number crossing one lakh on weekends and festivals.

When city magistrate Rakesh Kumar was approached to speak on this, he told TOI, "I am not aware of the memorandum submitted by Dinesh Falahari, but I will look into the matter."