The right-winger calls for Hindus to avoid buying rakhis and sweets from Muslim vendors
NEW DELHI/BAGHPAT— In a speech that has stirred anger and concern, infamous Hindutva leader Sadhvi Prachi accused Muslims of spreading “festival jihad” and called on Hindus to boycott Muslim vendors during the ensuing festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Her remarks, made during a public gathering in the Uttar Pradesh city of Baghpat on Wednesday (6 August), have come in for severe criticism for promoting hatred and endangering social unity.
Sadhvi Prachi, known for her provocative speeches, claimed that Muslims were deliberately designing rakhis featuring symbols like the moon and stars, which she alleged represent “jihad.” She said this was a deliberate attempt to insult Hindu traditions.
“After love jihad and land jihad, now they are running festival jihad by making rakhis with moon and stars embossed on them,” she told a crowd of supporters. “Rakhi is a sacred Hindu festival. Hindus should not buy anything from these Jihadis.”
She went further to say, “I saw a video in which moon and star designs were shown on rakhis. Hindus must open their eyes. They should buy goods only from Hindu shopkeepers.”
The moon and star symbols are often used in Islamic art and on national flags of Muslim-majority countries, including India’s neighbour, Pakistan. Linking these symbols to so-called “jihad” has not only offended Muslims but has also alarmed rights activists and secular voices across India.
Mohammad Saeed, a local Muslim shopkeeper who sells rakhis, expressed his shock: “For years, we have been making and selling rakhis. We never faced any such accusations. How can the moon and stars be a crime now? We are also Indians.”
Prominent activist and lawyer Shakeel Ahmad called Sadhvi Prachi’s remarks a deliberate provocation. “This is nothing but an attempt to divide the society along religious lines. She is inciting people to boycott Muslims economically and socially. This is hate speech, not religion,” he said.
Social workers and community leaders fear the statement could lead to a rise in tensions during the festival season. “This kind of speech can create fear and insecurity. It hurts our social harmony,” said Mahesh Verma, a retired teacher in Baghpat. “Our children study together. We live in the same neighbourhoods. Why bring hatred into festivals?”
In her speech, Sadhvi Prachi warned the Hindu community not to purchase any festival-related items, including sweets or ash (used during religious worship), from Muslims. “Why buy from Jihadis when they have always worked against us?” she asked, drawing loud cheers from her followers.
Sadhvi Prachi has a history of making inflammatory statements against Muslims. Despite repeated complaints, she has largely remained untouched by legal consequences.
Sadhvi Prachi also used the opportunity to attack political rival former Uttar Pradesh minister Swami Prasad Maurya, who had recently made remarks on Hindu religious texts. When asked about an incident where he was reportedly attacked in Rae Bareli, she responded with violence-laced words.
“People like him who insult our religion should not be slapped but should be hit with shoes,” she declared.
The Muslim community in Uttar Pradesh is growing more anxious due to such speeches by right-wing figures. Many feel they are being unfairly targeted and labelled enemies for simply existing.
“First, they said love jihad. Then land jihad. Now even our festivals are jihad? What is left?” asked Shabana Khan, a school teacher in Baghpat. “We are citizens of this country. Is earning an honest living also a crime now?”
Several local Muslim vendors say their sales have dropped since the speech. “I’ve been sitting here since morning. No one is buying anything,” said Firoz, who sells rakhis and sweets at a local market. “People just look and walk away. I don’t know how I will feed my children this week.”
Human rights groups and opposition leaders have called on the authorities to take immediate action against Sadhvi Prachi for her remarks.
“There should be an FIR against her for hate speech. Such people are poisoning society,” said Afzal Ali, a local leader of the Samajwadi Party.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also posted a message on social media condemning the statement: “Festivals should unite people, not divide them. Such leaders are spreading poison in the name of religion. We must reject this hate.”
Despite strong reactions from civil society and the opposition parties, the administration in Baghpat has not made any official statement. No FIR has been registered so far, and the police have not responded to queries about the incident.
Meanwhile, the people most affected—Muslim vendors and artisans—say they are being punished for nothing.
“We are only trying to earn our living with dignity,” said Irfan, a young shopkeeper. “If they say not to buy from us, how will we survive?”
As the festival of Raksha Bandhan nears, many hope that voices of peace and unity will rise above hatred.
“This country belongs to all of us,” said retired principal Abdul Hameed. “We must stand together against those who try to break us apart in the name of religion.”
