The Muslim community believes that the influence of Hindutva groups and rising communal rhetoric has played a major role in the stalling of the historic event
BAHRAICH – The centuries-old Bahraich Mela held at the Dargah of Hazrat Syed Salar Masood Ghazi, a revered Muslim warrior-saint, is facing an uncertain future this year after the Uttar Pradesh administration withheld permission to organise the annual event. The decision, based on a confidential 12-page report submitted by the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU), has sparked anger and concern within the local Muslim community.
The fair, which usually begins in mid-May and runs for nearly a month, attracts around 15 lakh devotees, both Hindus and Muslims, from across Purvanchal and beyond. This year, organisers had sought permission to begin the fair from 15 May, but officials have yet to approve, citing fears over “law and order”.
A senior official from the Bahraich administration, requesting anonymity, said, “We have received intelligence input citing national incidents that could have a ripple effect. The safety of the public is our priority.”
However, the timing and nature of the objections have raised questions. Many within the Muslim community believe that the influence of Hindutva groups and rising communal rhetoric have played a major role in the stalling of this historic event.
“For centuries, Hindus and Muslims have attended this fair together,” said Mohammad Arif, a resident and one of the regular volunteers at the dargah. “Now suddenly, this fair is being labelled a threat? Why only Muslim religious events face these hurdles?”
The fair is not only a religious gathering but also a symbol of communal harmony, where people of all faiths gather to pay respects. According to locals, it is common for Hindus to offer chadars at the dargah, seeking blessings.
Yet, recent years have seen a rise in opposition from Hindu right-wing groups, especially those promoting the story that Syed Salar Masood Ghazi was a “foreign invader” defeated by Maharaja Suheldev. The presence of Suheldev’s temple near the Chittaur Lake, barely 7 km from the dargah, has added to the tensions.
“There is a clear attempt to rewrite history and create division,” said Maulana Shafiq, a local cleric. “The dargah has never been a problem for centuries, but now it’s being politicised.”
The issue has become even more sensitive against the backdrop of the recent Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, which has triggered protests across the country. Violent demonstrations, such as those reported from Murshidabad in West Bengal, have been used by the authorities as reasons to clamp down on Muslim religious activities.
“It’s very obvious that Muslims are being watched differently,” said Sajid Ali, a social worker in Bahraich. “Even peaceful gatherings are now being looked at as dangerous. We fear this is part of a larger plan to marginalise our religious identity.”
Adding to the tension is the flag-hoisting controversy in Prayagraj, which was cited in the LIU report as an example of potential communal flare-up. Critics argue that incidents like these are being used to generalise fears and deny Muslims their religious rights.
Despite repeated queries, Commissioner Shashi Bhushan Lal Sushil and DIG Amit Pathak have not publicly explained the specific threats that led to the denial of permission. Their silence has only fuelled suspicion among locals.
The district administration has suggested that warnings be issued to surrounding districts to control crowds, stating that an increase in the number of attendees could lead to disorder.
A government source said, “The final decision will be taken in the next meeting of the commissioner and DIG. But the report recommends that unless guarantees of peace are given, the mela should not be allowed.”
Muslim organisations have alleged that the denial of permission to the Bahraich Mela is part of a pattern of discrimination under the current political climate.
“If Kanwar Yatras, which block highways and cause major disruption, are allowed without question, why is our peaceful religious fair being stopped?” asked Qari Nasim, a local madrasa teacher. “This is not about safety. It’s about control.”
Many Muslim leaders also pointed out that the Dargah of Syed Salar Masood Ghazi is registered with the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board, and the mela has been held without serious incident for decades.
“This is our right,” said Zehra Bano, a college student who attends the fair each year. “It feels like we are being punished for our faith.”
