Diwali celebrations in Durg, Chhattisgarh, were overshadowed this year by a disturbing display of communal hostility. On October 17, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal organised a rally under the banner “Our Festival, Our Business,” urging Hindus to boycott Muslim-owned shops.
Instead of promoting harmony, the march carried inflammatory slogans and posters warning that harming Hindu interests could lead to violence on the streets.
The rally passed through key market areas where Muslim shopkeepers typically sell diyas, sweets, and firecrackers during the festival season. Locals said the atmosphere turned tense, as videos circulated on social media encouraging Hindus not to purchase from Muslim vendors. Many shopkeepers reported a sharp drop in customers, with some describing the campaign as devastating both financially and emotionally.
Mohammad Arif, a local resident, said the boycott created fear among even longtime Hindu customers. “Diwali has always been a festival we celebrated together. Now there’s a sense of fear. What example are we setting for future generations?” Another trader, Rafiq Khan, added, “We were preparing for weeks, and suddenly sales collapsed. It doesn’t feel like Diwali anymore. It feels like darkness has taken over.”
Social media amplified the message, with posts targeting Muslim vendors and urging Hindus to avoid their shops. Experts warn that such campaigns exploit religious festivals to spread hatred. Prof Shamsuddin Ali, a social analyst from Raipur, said this is part of a larger pattern where festivals are being used to deepen communal divides rather than foster unity. He noted that the authorities’ silence emboldens extremist groups.
Local Muslim leaders have condemned the rally and appealed for calm. Maulana Abdul Rehman, an imam in Durg, emphasised the importance of responding to hate peacefully and urged Hindus to oppose injustice. Many Muslim traders pointed out that their livelihoods rely heavily on festival sales, and the boycott has caused significant financial loss.
Civil rights activists criticised the administration for inaction. Advocate Nasreen Khan from Raipur highlighted that India’s constitution guarantees equality and freedom to trade for all citizens. She questioned why authorities did not intervene when peaceful festival-goers were threatened with economic and social harm.
This story was originally published in muslimmirror.com. Read the full story here.
