In a strong message against communal polarization, the famous Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan has refused to heed demands by Hindutva groups to boycott Muslim artisans and workers associated with the temple's activities.

Responding to calls for a boycott following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Banke Bihari priest and temple committee member Gyanendra Kishore Goswami told The Times of India that excluding Muslim contributors was neither practical nor justified.

“It is not practical. Muslims, particularly artisans and weavers, have deep-rooted contributions here. They’ve played a major role in weaving the dresses of Banke Bihari for decades. Many of them have a strong belief in Banke Bihari and visit the temple too.”
Muslim artisans craft the crowns, clothing, and garlands used in temple rituals. Muslim musicians also perform on the traditional nafiri during special ceremonies — a contribution deeply embedded in the temple’s cultural fabric.

This is not the first time the temple administration has resisted communal pressures. In March, priests rejected a similar proposal aimed at banning dresses for the deity made by Muslim weavers, following a memorandum submitted by Dinesh Sharma, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas.

Despite mounting pressure from Hindutva groups in Mathura and Vrindavan — who have urged Hindu shopkeepers and pilgrims to boycott Muslims and demanded that Muslim businesses display owners' names prominently — the temple leadership has remained firm in promoting communal harmony.

While condemning the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead, Goswami emphasized that innocent people must not be targeted.

Local residents also echoed this sentiment. Nikhil Aggarwal, whose shop is adjacent to Muslim trader Javed Ali’s near the temple said that they have always supported each other and there has never been any trouble between them.

“In Vrindavan, Hindus and Muslims live together in peace and harmony,” he said.

The Banke Bihari temple’s stand comes as a significant affirmation of traditional coexistence amid rising communal tensions across the country.