NUH, July 15 — In a striking reversal of the violence witnessed during the same event two years ago, the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra concluded peacefully in Haryana’s Nuh district on Monday, under heavy security and amid visible signs of communal solidarity.
The yatra, which once triggered deadly clashes that claimed six lives in July 2023, this year unfolded with floral greetings instead of stones. Welcomed at over 40 locations along the route by members of both Hindu and Muslim communities, the event highlighted what officials described as a renewed “spirit of brotherhood.”
“This event was a big challenge and accordingly we had made all precautionary arrangements,” said Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena. “But due to the mutual brotherhood and unity of all the people, these precautionary measures were not required… I thank all for the successful yatra.”
The 80-kilometre procession began at Nalhar Mahadev temple at 12:15 p.m., passed through Jhir Mandir in Ferozepur Jhirka, and concluded at Singar temple by 6:40 p.m. Devotees travelled in a convoy that included five Haryana Roadways buses, five school buses, two tractor-trailers, around 60 motorcycles and over 100 private vehicles.
Ahead of the event, tension briefly flared when a mazaar (shrine) in Tauru’s Sainipura mohalla was found vandalised late Sunday night. Authorities swiftly restored the structure within hours and increased security in the area. “The administration is taking necessary action in connection with the damage to the Mazar in Tauru,” Deputy Commissioner Meena said.
In anticipation of possible unrest, the administration had deployed over 2,500 police personnel, suspended internet services for the day, and ordered closure of schools, colleges, and markets across the district. Surveillance drones monitored the entire route.
“This year’s yatra stands as a powerful example of communal harmony and coordination,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Malik. “Welcome gates were put up by all communities and flower petals were showered along the path.”
Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Gaurav Gautam, who performed puja at the Nalhar temple, praised the “Shiva-filled atmosphere” and urged continued cooperation: “It is the responsibility of all of us to maintain a peaceful and harmonious environment at religious places.”
Former Nuh MLA and BJP Minority Morcha vice-president Chaudhary Zakir Hussain added: “Mewat is a unique example of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb.”
The peaceful completion of the yatra was also marked by participation from several dignitaries, including Sohna MLA Tejpal Tanwar, Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma, Rajasthan’s Kama MLA Nauksham Chaudhary, and former minister Sanjay Singh.
For many in Nuh, this year’s procession was more than a religious journey — it was a test of resilience, trust, and a hopeful return to normalcy.
