In compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court, worship of Maa Vagadevi (Saraswati) commenced at sunrise on Vasant Panchami at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. The rituals began with the Vedarambh sanskar.
After a gap of ten years, both Hindu worship and Muslim prayers are being held on the same day at the historic Bhojshala premises on the occasion of Vasant Panchami. Acting in accordance with Supreme Court directions, the administration has earmarked separate locations for the religious activities of both communities. Extensive security arrangements have been put in place, with approximately 8,000 police personnel deployed and the entire area placed under technological surveillance.
As per the Supreme Court order, the worship of Maa Vagadevi began at sunrise within the Bhojshala premises on Vasant Panchami. The administration stated that the Hindu community will perform rituals strictly in accordance with pre-determined traditions and that no obstruction will be permitted.
For the Muslim community, arrangements have been made for offering namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm. The Supreme Court has directed that the religious programmes of both communities be conducted at separate locations, with distinct entry and exit arrangements. In accordance with these directions, the district administration has identified alternative sites on the basis of maps received from the Archaeological Survey of India and surveys conducted by the administration.
The Collector of Dhar, Priyank Mishra, stated that the administration has held meetings with both sides. According to him, the Hindu community has expressed satisfaction with the administrative arrangements, while dialogue has also been established with the Muslim community and multiple options have been provided to them. He stated that if mutual consensus is reached, the site will be used accordingly, failing which the administration is authorised to take a final decision keeping law and order considerations in view.
On the occasion of Vasant Panchami, religious events are also being organised in the city. A procession is scheduled to be taken out from Lalbagh to Bhojshala at 10.30 am, followed by a dharmasabha at 12.15 pm. The programme lists Vishwa Hindu Parishad international president Alok Kumar and Sanatani Akhada coordinator Swami Swadeshanand Giri Maharaj as speakers. A maha aarti is proposed at 1.15 pm.
Security arrangements in and around the Bhojshala have been tightened. A total of about 8,000 police personnel, including more than 1,000 women police personnel, have been deployed across the district. The arrangements are being supervised by 13 IPS officers, with 25 officers of additional superintendent of police rank also posted. A 300-metre security perimeter has been established around the Bhojshala complex. More than 1,000 CCTV cameras have been installed in the city and around the premises. Surveillance is also being carried out through 20 drones and artificial intelligence-based systems. Over 350 police personnel are deployed within the complex, with around 100 personnel positioned on rooftops. Three-dimensional mapping and other advanced technologies are also being utilised.
