The Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan has firmly rejected calls from right-wing groups to boycott Muslim artisans and vendors following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Temple authorities emphasized the long-standing and significant contributions of Muslims to the temple's traditions, particularly in the crafting of the deity's attire and accessories.

The boycott calls emerged after the Pahalgam attack, where 26 Hindu tourists were killed. In the aftermath, some groups in Mathura and Vrindavan urged Hindu shopkeepers and pilgrims to cease trading with the Muslim community. Some went as far as demanding Muslim shop owners to display their names on their businesses. Nagendra Maharaj, a member of Kashi Vidvat Parishad, said they asked Hindu shopkeepers to avoid working with Muslims and not to employ people from that community.

Gyanendra Kishore Goswami, a priest at the Banke Bihari temple and a member of its administration committee, dismissed the boycott as impractical. He highlighted the "deep-rooted contributions" of Muslims, especially artisans and weavers, who have been instrumental in creating the dresses of Banke Bihari for decades. Goswami noted that many Muslims have a strong faith in Banke Bihari and visit the temple. He also pointed out that some of the intricate crowns and bangles for the deity are made by Muslim artisans.

Goswami strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack and supported strict action against the terrorists. However, he emphasized that Hindus and Muslims in Vrindavan live together in peace and harmony. This sentiment was reportedly shared by most of the priests and locals.

Javed Ali, a local shopkeeper who runs 'Star Mukut', shared that protesters confronted him and asked him to display his name on his shop. Ali, whose family has been in the business for over 20 years, said he always provides receipts with his name and mobile number and has nothing to hide. He expressed relief and reassurance at the temple's stance. Nikhil Aggarwal, a shop owner next to Ali's, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing their cordial relationship and mutual support regardless of religion.

This is not the first time the Banke Bihari temple has resisted such divisive demands. A month prior, the temple authorities rejected a proposal to ban garments made for Lord Krishna by Muslim weavers. The temple has maintained that religious discrimination has no place in its traditions. The authorities consider the sanctity and purity of the attire offered to the lord as their top priority.