Dhar Bhojshala: Prayers and Namaz begin at Dhar Bhojshala; 8,000 police personnel deployed.

Posted on 23rd Jan 2026 by rohit kumar

According to the Supreme Court's directives, the worship of Goddess Vagdevi began at sunrise on Vasant Panchami at Bhojshala in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. The ceremony commenced with the Vedാരംभ (Vedarambha) ritual in the morning. Meanwhile, Muslim community members also began offering prayers in the complex from 1 PM onwards. The Supreme Court order clearly states that the events of both communities are to be held at separate locations. The worship will proceed without any disruption. A separate location has been provided for the Muslim community. The administration itself conducted a survey to find a suitable location. They also obtained a map from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). A meeting was called with both parties, and the Hindu community is satisfied with this arrangement. Discussions were also held with the Muslim community, and they were given options. If this party does not agree, the administration will make the decision. Collector Priyank Mishra clarified that the Hindu community will perform the worship according to established tradition. According to the Collector, the court stated that entry and exit points should be separate. There is ample space in the complex. The district administration can decide on the location itself, keeping law and order in mind. If the location is decided based on mutual agreement, that's fine. If an agreement is not reached, the local administration can decide the location. Earlier, the office bearers of the Bhojshala Mukti Yagna stated that the worship would be conducted peacefully and without any disruption from sunrise to sunset. Religious assembly in the afternoon A procession was taken out from Lalbagh in the city to Bhojshala at 10:30 AM. A religious assembly was held at 12:15 PM. The main speakers included Alok Kumar, the international president of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Swami Swadeshanand Giri Maharaj, the convener of the Sanatani Akhara. A Maha Aarti (grand prayer ceremony) was held at 1:15 PM. Police and administrative security arrangements Approximately 8000 police personnel have been deployed in the district. This includes more than 1000 women police officers. 13 IPS officers are in charge of security. 25 additional Superintendent of Police level officers have also been deployed. 107 police inspectors and sub-inspectors, along with 393 other officers and personnel, have been deployed on duty. A 300-meter security cordon has been established around Bhojshala. 1000 CCTV cameras have been installed in the city and the Bhojshala complex. Surveillance is being conducted using 20 drone cameras and AI technology. More than 350 police personnel have been deployed inside Bhojshala, and 100 police personnel are stationed on the roof. Modern technologies, including 3D mapping, have been utilized. Here, Hindus are allowed to perform puja (worship) on Basant Panchami, and Muslims are permitted to offer Friday prayers. Entry for the general public is restricted on other days. However, tension escalates when Basant Panchami falls on a Friday. This is the first time in 10 years that Friday prayers and Basant Panchami puja are coinciding.