Did you see the news about Bhojshala?
Did something happen in Dhar?
Did riots break out in Dhar?
Has the havoc broken out?
There were a lot more apprehensions about the historic “Bhojshala” in Dhar. But a few days ago, Dhar defied them all and ended the day in peace. Finally, the soothing breeze of harmony and accord flew across Dhar which was expected to be a victim of communal flare-up.
The not-so-popular Bhojshala of Dhar comes into lime light whenever the occasion of Basant panchami coincides with Friday. Bhojshala in Dhar is actually an ancient repository of Sanskrit scriptures and profound knowledge meant for Sanskrit studies associated with King Bhoj. The geography has it that the Bhojshala has a Saraswati temple as well as Kamal-Al-Din congregational mosque which make it a vulnerable land piece, especially when it comes to communalism. It is called the Ayodhya of Madhya Pradesh, a myth about Bhojshala created by British.
Muslims offer jummah prayers on Friday at the Bhojshala during 1pm to 3pm. Hindus offer relentless prayers to Goddess Saraswati on Basant panchami. Hence, the whole mayhem started when Basant Panchami coincided with Friday.
A colossal military and paramilitary force was positioned at every foot in Dhar. The district which was on edge for the days ahead of Saraswati Puja were ready to face any communal terror since it was going to be a faceoff between Hindus and Muslims. Dharm Jagaran Manch (DJM) and Bhoj Utsav Samiti (BUS) had already made their stand clear for seeking the control of the structure for the entire day to offer “dawn-to-dusk” prayers. However, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which protects the site had to facilitate Muslims to offer jummah prayers during 1pm to 3 pm during which the puja had to be stopped.
In 2013 and 2003 a similar situation had occurred when Basant Panchami fell on a Friday. The town of Dhar then had witnessed a spate of violence as Hindutva activists refused to vacate the premises thereby dishonouring the arrangement to allow jummah prayers to be offered between 1pm and 3pm.
Thus, this time the administration was alarmed, security forces were armed to their teeth and the masses were perturbed with the foreboding of the hullabaloo on Friday, but the result turned the tables, brought immense peace to hearts and mirrored the harmony and “tolerance” that still thrives in our society. Both the wings declared their victory – The administratin released a picture of 25 Muslims offering Namaz though for a short duration and the Hindus offered a day long Puja and were even allowed to enter the Bhojshala right after 1:10 pm as against the decision of ASI. Thus no sentiments were hurt and a fiasco was escaped. The credit also goes to the administration, which was on its toes and was well prepared to handle the worst.
This incident may not be known to large masses but it is a historic incident in which the tolerance among communities has been flashed throughout. Now, India is moving ahead; in the age of technology and modernization we can’t afford to be stuck in communal fights thereby leading to our own decadence. We have to first broaden our mindsets, we need to learn acceptance and compassion. And that is what people did day before yesterday. Although there are some highly revered saints like Shankaracharya Saraswati who did oppose the decision, but the Indian masses acted upon their own intellects, not with a brainwashed and orthodox mind. Hence the tension was waived and the season of colours was welcomed with merriment.
Another fact that is established by this incident is that the communal flare-up can be curbed by only one force- the force of harmony. History has it that India burns in communal flare-up whenever Hindus and Muslims confront each other being on the opposite sides. But incidents like these shows that if we vow to defy violence, then we can overpower the fiery communism.
The fact is that the Almighty is just one- who was in both the jummah prayers as well as mantras of Saraswati puja! He, who defied violence yesterday and marked the season of colors with peace.
Happy Spring!
Note: Image used in this post is only for representational purpose.
