Nuh (PTI): The Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra that was marred by violence last year began here on Monday amid tight security arrangements, with members of both Hindu and Muslim communities welcoming the procession at different points.
Spiritual leader Mahamandleshwar Swami Dharamdev said this year's yatra conveyed a powerful message of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood across the country.
Chanting "Har Har Mahadev" and "Jai Sri Ram", devotees started the yatra from Nalhar Mahadev Mandir and later proceeded to Jhir Mandir in Ferozepur Jhirka here.
The yatra, which spans over nearly 80 km, will end at Singar via the Jhir temple later in the day.
Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata said the yatra was being carried out smoothly amid stringent security and other arrangements for the devotees.
In the morning, many devotees taking part in the yatra gathered at Radha Krishna temple in adjoining Gurugram's Sector 10 before leaving for the Nalhar temple.
Before the yatra began around 11 am, a large group of women also reached the Nalhar Mahadev temple from Bhuteshwar temple here. They were accorded a warm welcome by members of the Muslim community at the Tiranga Chowk.
Several groups of Muslims also welcomed the saints and other devotees part of the yatra with garlands at various places.
Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, chairman of All India Imam Organization, visited Nalhar Mahadev Temple in Nuh on Sunday to appeal for peace.
Swami Dharamdev said this year's yatra conveyed a big message of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood across the country and congratulated both the communities for the achievement.
Six people, including two home guards and a cleric of a Gurugram mosque, died in the clashes that erupted when a mob attacked a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession in Nuh on July 31 last year. According to officials, over 2,000 personnel from police and paramilitary have been deployed in the district to ensure foolproof security for the yatra this time.
The Haryana government has beefed up security for the yatra and ordered suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district for 24 hours with effect from 6 pm Sunday.
The suspension was ordered by the government "to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours" through social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter, among others.
Nuh Superintendent of Police Vijay Pratap Singh had said on Sunday that security forces would be deployed along the procession route.
"We will keep a close eye on everyone through drones," Singh said.
Ahead of the yatra, Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata had told PTI on Sunday, "The situation is very peaceful, cordial ahead of the yatra and both communities (Hindus and Muslims) are ready to welcome it."
Many welcome gates have been erected and food stalls set up for the members of the procession, he said.
A flag march was taken out in the district in the SP's presence on Sunday.
Liquor shops will remain closed till the yatra is completed, according to an official order.
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LONDON/MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has acquired the sword of Raghuji Bhosale, founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty and a distinguished commander in the Maratha army under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, after winning it in an auction in London.
Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar formally took possession of the weapon on Monday. It is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai on 18 August, where it will be received with ceremonial honours, as reported by The Indian Express.
News of the sword’s availability surfaced on 28 April this year. Minister Shelar consulted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, after which the government began preparations to participate in the auction.
A group of Marathi-speaking residents in London gathered to witness the handover. Hemant Dalvi, Deputy Director of the Archaeology Department, accompanied the minister during the formalities.
The sword is an 18th-century Maratha Firangi. It has a straight, single-edged European blade with a gold-inlaid Mulheri hilt and near the hilt is the European manufacturer’s name, while the spine bears a gold-inlaid Devanagari inscription reading “Shreemant Raghoji Bhosale Senasahib Subha Firang,” confirming its connection to Raghuji Bhosale. The hilt’s gold koftgari work and the green cloth-wrapped rounded pommel add to its rarity as Maratha weapons of the period typically lacked elaborate ornamentation or inscriptions.
Raghuji Bhosale I, ruled from Nagpur between 1695 and 1755. He expanded Maratha influence into Bengal, Odisha, Chanda, Chhattisgarh, Sambalpur and parts of southern India. His military campaigns, included victories over the Nawabs of Bengal, Cuddapah and Kurnool. The Nagpur kingdom was also known for its rich deposits of iron and copper, used for weapons and trade.
While few historians believe that the sword left India in the early 19th century, as part of the war booty taken by the British East India Company after their victory over the Bhosales at the Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817, others say it was taken later as a diplomatic gift.
The sword will be escorted from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to PL Deshpande Kala Academy in Dadar by a ceremonial bike rally upon its arrival in Mumbai next week. A cultural programme titled Gad Garjana will be held the same day in the presence of state dignitaries.
Minister Shelar described the acquisition as an important moment for Maharashtra’s heritage and extended his thanks to the Chief Minister, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for their support in securing the artefact.