Mumbai: “Garba is not a dance party, only those that have faith should attend”, said Swami Vidyanand, joint general secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad , at a press conference on Thursday announcing the World Hindu Congress to be held in BKC at the Jio World Centre from Dec 18 to 20.
The World Hindu Congress 2026 is slated to have 4,000 delegates from 60 countries.
When asked a question on the entry of Muslims in Navratri festivities like garba, he said, “Garba is a pooja and only those people who have faith in the devi should attend. It provides a platform for organisations, activists and individuals to connect, collaborate, and contribute with a shared commitment and collective resolve,” said Swami Vidyanand. Addressing a question on the topics of discussion at the Congress, he said, “We will also discuss how to free Hindu temples from their control by the govt… They have been chronically mismanaged.
Participants will be from diverse spheres, including economy, politics, education, youth, Hindu organisations, women and the media. “The World Hindu Congress is a strategic and structured movement to position Hindus globally in key areas of influence such as the economy, education, academia, media, and politics. If the govt does not control mosques and churches, why should they control temples? The Congress will have special sessions covering dharma, society, language and skills.