Ahead of the vibrant Holi festival, a storm is brewing in Mathura over a letter penned by Dinesh Sharma alias Falahari Maharaj to UP CM Yogi Adityanath. The key litigant in the high-profile Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi case seeks to exclude Muslim vendors from selling rang and gulal, igniting fierce discussions on faith and commerce.
Maharaj’s core worry revolves around the integrity of Holi materials. He cautioned against possible contamination by adversaries intent on undermining Hindu rituals through toxic additives. ‘We must ensure no harm comes to our festivals or devotees by limiting business to trusted Sanatanis,’ he asserted in an interview.
Expanding his plea, he opposed temporary stalls by Muslim traders near sacred temples, tying it to patterns of demographic manipulation. His vision: Hindu festivals powered purely by Hindu enterprise.
Falahari Maharaj’s personal sacrifices underscore his commitment—a four-year grain fast, sustained by fruits alone, tied to the Janmabhoomi liberation.
Reactions are sharply divided, with the proposal challenging notions of economic inclusion versus religious vigilance. While some hail it as proactive defense, others lament its threat to communal brotherhood. No word yet from the CMO, but anticipation builds for an administrative stance amid rising fervor.