Hindu Leaders Push for Muslim Trader Ban at 2023 Adhik Maas Fair

The demand to ban Muslim traders from participating in the upcoming Adhik Maas fair in Govardhan has been supported by several Hindu religious leaders. Dinesh Falahari, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, wrote to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking restrictions on Muslim participation in the fair.

The Adhik Maas fair, held in Govardhan near Mathura, attracts large numbers of Hindu devotees during the sacred month dedicated to religious rituals and pilgrimage. Narayanacharya Jagatguru Shandilya Maharaj supported the proposal, stating, "Muslims have no role in the Adhik Maas fair. We do not go to their religious fairs or pilgrimage sites, so they should also not come here. We want to organise the event with purity."

Paramhans Acharya suggested protests and demonstrations to enforce such restrictions, linking the issue to religious tensions in neighbouring countries and alleged discrimination against Hindus. Sitaram Das of Saket Bhavan Temple also expressed support for the demand, stating that non-Sanatani traders and "radical elements" should not be allowed to run shops in religious areas during such events.

The statements have sparked debate over religious participation and business rights at public religious gatherings. As of now, the Uttar Pradesh government has not issued any official response to the demand.