Friday marked a pivotal moment at Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, where Saraswati Puja kicked off at the contentious Bhojshala complex under an ironclad security blanket. Devotees in large numbers flocked to the venue since dawn, transforming the historic site into a hub of devotion on Vasant Panchami.
The Supreme Court’s timely intervention on Thursday paved the way, granting Hindus full-day puja rights from sunrise to sunset and reserving afternoon hours for Muslim namaz. This balanced approach aims to prevent any flare-up in a region prone to communal sensitivities.
At the heart of the controversy is the 11th-century structure under ASI protection. For Hindus, it’s the sacred Bhojshala temple enshrining Goddess Saraswati; for Muslims, the Kamal Maula Mosque. A longstanding 2003 pact had delineated worship days, but today’s event tests the fragile equilibrium.
Security forces, numbering more than 8,000 including elite RAF teams, blanketed the area. District Collector Priyank Mishra detailed the meticulous planning, emphasizing zero tolerance for disruptions. Communal harmony remains the top priority, he stressed, with severe penalties for hate-mongering across media channels.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s Vasant Panchami wishes on social media highlighted Saraswati’s benevolence, wishing enlightenment and prosperity for every resident of the state and nation.
With Muslims scheduled to arrive for prayers between 1 PM and 3 PM, the administration’s vigilance is unwavering. This event not only celebrates knowledge and learning but also serves as a litmus test for India’s pluralistic fabric, where faith meets forbearance.
