Vishalgad Dispute Rekindled as Hindutva Groups Seek Permanent Ban on Urus Festival.

Urus Dispute in Vishalgad Flares Up Again: Hindutva Groups Seek Permanent Ban on Islamic Festival at Maratha Heritage Fort.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Kolhapur, Maharashtra | May 26 , 2026:: The long-standing controversy surrounding the annual Urus celebration at the historic Vishalgad Fort in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district has resurfaced, with several Hindutva organizations intensifying their opposition and demanding a permanent prohibition on the Muslim religious gathering. The development has once again brought the centuries-old fort—revered for its Maratha legacy—into the center of a sensitive socio-religious and heritage-related debate.

On Monday, activists affiliated with various Hindutva groups staged protests outside the office of the Kolhapur District Collector, urging the administration to deny permission for the Urus scheduled between May 28 and May 30. The event is organized in the name of Sardar Malik Rehan, whose tomb is located within the premises of Vishalgad Fort. The Gad-Durga Rakshan Samiti, led by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, declared that it would intensify the movement if the administration does not take proper action.

Following the demonstration, representatives of the organizations submitted a memorandum to district authorities outlining their objections to the event and calling for immediate intervention to prevent what they described as the “continued desecration” of an important Maratha heritage site.

Allegations Regarding Illegal Construction and Activities

According to the memorandum, Vishalgad originally contained only the tomb of Malik Rehan, identified by the protesting groups as a Muslim Sardar who was killed during conflicts with the Marathas. The organizations alleged that followers of Malik Rehan subsequently transformed the tomb into a full-fledged dargah, presently known as Hazrat Pir Malik Rehan, through unauthorized construction activities.

The memorandum specifically claims that a three-story reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure has been erected over the original tomb without legal approval. Protesters further alleged that the annual Urus associated with the shrine has been conducted illegally for several years, particularly during the period of Bakri Eid.

In addition to questioning the legality of the structure and the gathering itself, the groups made a series of serious allegations concerning activities purportedly taking place during the festival. They claimed that large-scale animal sacrifices involving chickens and goats occur on the fort premises. The memorandum also alleged incidents of alcohol consumption, gambling, and prostitution during the celebrations.

The organizations argued that such activities are incompatible with the historical and cultural significance of Vishalgad Fort and have demanded strict administrative action to preserve the sanctity of the site.

Historical Significance of Vishalgad

Vishalgad Fort occupies a prominent place in Maratha history and is deeply associated with the legendary escape of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from Panhala Fort in 1660. The fort is especially remembered for the sacrifice of Maratha warriors Bajiprabhu Deshpande and Phulajiprabhu Deshpande, who fought valiantly against pursuing Adilshahi forces at the Battle of Pavan Khind to ensure Shivaji Maharaj’s safe passage to Vishalgad.

Because of this historical association, many Maratha and Hindutva organizations regard the fort as a sacred symbol of Maratha valor and resistance. Protesters stated that activities linked to the Urus undermine the dignity and historical legacy of the site.

Renewed Tensions Around Heritage and Religious Practices

The Vishalgad issue has periodically triggered political and communal tensions in Maharashtra over the past several years. While Hindutva organizations have consistently demanded restrictions on the Urus and removal of alleged encroachments, supporters of the shrine have maintained that the site represents a long-standing religious tradition observed peacefully for decades.

The matter has also generated debate over the balance between preserving historical heritage and protecting religious customs practiced at syncretic sites that hold significance for different communities.

Authorities in Kolhapur have not yet announced a final decision regarding permission for this year’s Urus. However, given the renewed protests and the emotionally charged nature of the issue, the administration is expected to maintain heightened security in and around Vishalgad Fort during the scheduled dates of the event.

Police officials are likely to closely monitor the situation to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain law and order amid rising tensions surrounding the dispute.
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_Inputs from Loksatta.