Karnataka: Udupi Temple Bars Muslim Traders From Doing Business During Hindu Festival

Bengaluru: A temple situated in the Udupi district of Karnataka has banned "people from other faith" to do business on its premises during the annual temple festival.

As per reports, the decision has been taken by the Maari Gudi temple management at Kaup town in Udupi on the request of certain pro-Hindu organizations.

The issue was even raised in the Karnataka State Assembly where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sought to distance itself from the matter, citing rules.

However, the rule will not be applicable to vendors outside the premises of the temple and the state government has assured stern measures against those causing trouble to them. The government also ensured that it will closely examine the rules and the actual situation prevailing on the ground, before taking any further steps.

The temple management authorities took the decision after organizations such as Hindu Jagarana Vedike and Tulunadu Hindu sena requested the authorities to deny permission to the Muslim traders during the two day religious fair. The Hindu outfits justified their stance by saying that the Muslims had earlier supported a bandh against the Karnataka High Court's verdict on the Hijab issue.

"The pro-Hindu organizations submitted a memorandum asking us to allow only Hindu traders during the Marigudi festival and not the people from other faith. Accordingly, the temple management has decided not to give land or rent belonging to the temple management to anyone who is not a Hindu. Only Hindus will be given space to do business, " PTI quoted an executive officer of the temple as saying.

Meanwhile, Udupi district street vendors and Traders Association has requested the district administration to permit Muslim traders to conduct business during Hindu festivals and annual temple fairs.

Several banners asking the Muslim vendors to not enter the premises had been put on display during the annual Kaup Marigudi festival and similar banners were also spotted in Padubidri temple festival.

Also read: Former Actress Sana Khan Drinks 24k Gold Plated Tea At Dubai's Highest Restaurant

Also watch: