Hindu organisations urge women to employ only Hindu mehndi artists during festivals, raising serious concerns over communal harmony and administrative inaction
NEW DELHI – The communal divide in Uttar Pradesh has intensified, with right-wing organisations openly calling for boycott of Muslims during major Hindu festivals. Following incidents during the Kanwar Yatra, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, and Garba, tensions have now escalated ahead of Karva Chauth.
In Meerut, women have reportedly refused to have mehndi applied by Muslim artisans, citing fears that “a Muslim youth who holds their hand for henna will also spread love jihad.” A Hindu organisation, Seva Bharti, has taken this further by launching mehndi camps, aiming to financially benefit Hindu artisans while excluding Muslims.
An official from Seva Bharti, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “This should be mandatory to protect Hinduism. Festivals like Karva Chauth provide opportunities for Hindus to support their own community and help women become self-reliant.” Long queues have formed outside the organisation’s mehndi camps, which have been set up across several locations in the city.
The economic impact on Muslim artisans has been severe. Many of them depend on festival seasons for their livelihood, and the call for a boycott has resulted in financial losses and social marginalisation. A Muslim artisan from Meerut, who requested anonymity, said, “These festivals are our main source of income. Now we are left with nothing. It feels as if our existence is being questioned.”
Similar appeals were reported in Mathura, where Hindu women associated with local organisations urged Muslim mehndi artists not to work during festivals. Peace-loving members of both communities have expressed shock at the administration’s silence. One resident said, “We are surprised that the government is not intervening. This threatens the harmony of our city.”
Hindu women supporting the initiative argue that the appeal is meant to strengthen local employment. A member of the women’s group said, “We do not intend to offend any religion. Our aim is to promote the work of Hindu artisans, so they can be financially independent during festivals like Karva Chauth.”
However, critics say that the appeal carries a communal undertone, directly targeting Muslim artisans and excluding them from earning during key festival seasons. Social media reactions have been mixed, with some praising the promotion of local Hindu talent, while others have condemned the move as divisive.
As the festival approaches, concerns are mounting over potential communal tension, social boycott, and the economic marginalisation of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. Community leaders urge both sides to maintain harmony and call on authorities to ensure that no group is unfairly targeted.
