Haryana: Brij Mandal Jalabhishek yatra concludes peacefully amidst inter-community harmony in Nuh

Many Muslims who welcomed the procession stated that Mewat is widely recognised as a region embodying Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb—a composite culture—with some attributing the 2023 incident to "outside elements."

According to PTI, on 31st July 2023, six people, including two home guards and a cleric from a Gurugram mosque, were killed in clashes that erupted when a mob attacked a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) procession in Nuh.

To ensure a smooth event this year, approximately 2,500 police personnel were deployed. All government and private schools in the district remained closed, and internet services were suspended for the day.

The nearly 80-km Yatra commenced at the Nalhar Mahadev temple in Nuh, approximately 50 km from Gurugram, from where devotees proceeded to Jhirkeshwar Mahadev temple in Ferozepur Jhirka. Passing via Jhir temple, the Yatra concluded at Shringeshwar Mahadev temple in Singar village in the evening, reported PTI.

"The Yatra concluded smoothly, peacefully, and in a cordial atmosphere. I thank everyone for this. I thank all communities in Mewat for this and for giving a warm welcome to devotees by showering flower petals, as well as the organising committees of the temples for smooth arrangements. The police also ensured necessary arrangements," stated Nuh Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena after the Yatra concluded.

The Deputy Commissioner, who was present in the field, oversaw security, law and order, and other arrangements throughout the Yatra.

Earlier on Monday, police had reported that a mazar was damaged ahead of the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra in Nuh’s Tauru town, prompting intensified security in the district to prevent a repeat of the clashes that occurred during the religious procession two years ago.

Officials stated that the culprits behind the vandalism on Sunday night remain unidentified, according to PTI. Following the incident, a large number of police personnel were deployed at the mazar in Tauru’s Sainipura mohalla.

"The administration is taking necessary action in connection with the damage to the mazar in Tauru. It will be ensured that the Jalabhishek Yatra is organised in a peaceful and harmonious environment in the district," Nuh DC Meena said earlier in the day. "There is complete peace there, and necessary action is being ensured by the police and district administration in this regard," he added.

Moreover, chanting "Har Har Mahadev" and "Bam Bam Bhole," enthusiasm was evident among the devotees along the Yatra route, as it also marked the first Monday of the Shravan month.

In addition to deploying a strong contingent of security personnel, surveillance through drones was conducted to ensure the event proceeded smoothly.

Chaudhary Zakir Hussain, former MLA from Nuh and vice-president of the BJP minority morcha, who welcomed the devotees participating in the Yatra, affirmed that Mewat is a unique example of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb.

"Today also that has been displayed in Mewat. In our country, people of all faiths collectively celebrate each other’s festivals. Devotees were given a warm welcome at multiple points. The administration had also made adequate arrangements for the devotees," Hussain said. Many women devotees offered their obeisance in the temples.

"Mewat has had a tradition of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood for years, which was clearly visible again in today’s event," a devotee remarked.

Meanwhile, Haryana Minister Gaurav Gautam and some ruling BJP MLAs also accompanied the procession and paid obeisance at the Nalhar Mahadev temple.

According to PTI, Deputy Commissioner Meena stated that officials had been instructed to make all necessary arrangements in their respective areas, with duty magistrates and police officers deployed everywhere.

Meena added that seers from different parts of the country, especially Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana, had arrived to participate in the Yatra.

Furthermore, people from all faiths extended a grand welcome to this Yatra at various locations along its route. Nuh’s Additional Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Malik mentioned that people from all communities had set up welcome gates at different points and showered flower petals on devotees.

"This shows the brotherhood and bond which people in the Mewat region share with one another. Many people are offering their services as volunteers. Today is the first Monday of Shravan month, and there is great enthusiasm among devotees," Malik said.

The use of DJs, loudspeakers, or sound-amplifying devices with content that is religiously provocative or hurts the sentiments of any community was strictly prohibited during the Yatra, as per an order issued by the authorities.

The carrying of all weapons, including licensed arms, firearms, swords, sticks, tridents, rods, knives, and chains, had been banned, with only the sheathed kirpan, worn as a religious symbol by members of the Sikh community, exempted.

Additionally, the district administration had banned the sale of meat along the Yatra route starting Sunday. Meat shops along the Kanwar route were to remain closed until 24th July.

The Haryana government on Sunday ordered the suspension of mobile internet, bulk SMS services (excluding banking and mobile recharge), and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except voice calls, in Nuh district for 24 hours -- from 9 pm on July 13 to 9 pm on July 14.

(With inputs from PTI)

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