Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — A contentious debate has started over the role of Muslim artisans in crafting the attire and ornaments for Hindu deity Lord Krishna, worshipped as Thakur Banke Bihari. The controversy in the Uttar Pradesh town of Vrindavan in Mathura District, spearheaded by Hindu leader Dinesh Sharma Falahari, has taken a communal turn with claims that the town holds no religious significance for Muslims and that their involvement in preparing the deity’s garments is inappropriate.
Falahari, a prominent petitioner in the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi case, has submitted a memorandum to the priests and servants of the Banke Bihari temple, urging them to stop using garments made by Muslim artisans. “Vrindavan is a holy place for Hindus, not for Muslims. The clothes and ornaments of Krishna should be prepared by Hindu artisans only. It is unacceptable for them to wear garments made by those who do not revere him,” Falahari asserted.
For generations, thousands of Muslim families in Vrindavan and Mathura have been engaged in the intricate work of stitching and embroidering the elaborate garments and ornaments worn by Krishna in major temples, including the Banke Bihari and Dwarkadhish temples. These garments are not only used locally but are also exported across India and abroad, providing a significant source of income for these artisans.
“This is not just a job for us; it is our heritage,” said Mohammad Aslam, a third-generation artisan from Vrindavan. “Our family has been crafting these clothes for decades. It is a matter of pride for us to contribute to the worship of Krishna. This sudden opposition feels unjust and hurtful.”
The demand to exclude Muslim artisans has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with many pointing out the long-standing harmony between communities in the region. “This is an attempt to disrupt the social fabric of Vrindavan,” said social activist Priya Sharma. “For years, Hindus and Muslims have worked together in service of Krishna. Such demands only sow division and mistrust.”
The temple management has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. However, sources within the temple suggest that the decision could have far-reaching implications, not only for the artisans but also for the local economy. “The garments made by these artisans are highly sought after. Any change in this tradition could affect the temple’s revenue and the livelihoods of thousands,” said a temple official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net.