Authorities cited concerns over peace and law and order, reportedly following complaints from the VHP
AYODHYA — The Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has come under criticism following the cancellation of the annual Dada Miya Urs festival in Ayodhya. This follows a recent ban on other longstanding Muslim events, including the Urs of Salar Masood Ghazi in Bahraich and the Urs of Syed Shakeel Shah Baba in Barabanki.
The Dada Miya Urs, a tradition observed for over two decades at the Dada Mian Mazar in Khanpur Masodha, was scheduled for this weekend but has now been called off by the Ayodhya administration. Authorities cited concerns over peace and law and order, reportedly following complaints from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Local VHP members Lalji Sharma and Suryakant Pandey filed a police complaint alleging that the event was being organised under the guise of ‘Dada Miya Urs’, but funds were being raised with receipts labelled for ‘Ghazi Baba Urs’. Additionally, the complaint claimed that clerics invited during the festival engaged in practices described as “black magic” and misled attendees.
Following an investigation, Police Circle Officer Ashutosh Tiwari confirmed the cancellation, stating, “The permission given for Urs Dada Mian has been revoked as it was found that the event was being planned under the name of Ghazi Baba.”
The ban has sparked questions from local Muslim communities and civil rights groups, who perceive this as part of a continuing pattern of targeting Muslim religious traditions in the state. Critics argue that recent actions, including the demolition of mosques, madrasas, and Idgahs, alongside bans on cultural and religious events, undermine communal harmony.
A spokesperson from the Dada Miya Urs organising committee declined to comment on the cancellation.
This decision comes amid a tense atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh, where the administration has faced accusations of marginalising minority communities, particularly Muslims, ahead of key upcoming elections.
