Giant rangoli at Dhar's Bhojshala for Diwali traces history from 1010 to 1902, seeks Vagdevi idol

A large rangoli at Bhojshala in Dhar this Diwali set out history and a demand in colour. Made in the premises, it laid out historical episodes in sequence from 1010 CE to 1902. The event showed the history of Bhojshala, the glory of Raja Bhoj and a resolve to bring back the idol of Maa Vagdevi.

The story in the rangoli begins with the coronation of Raja Bhoj. It then shows the construction of Bhojshala, its tradition of learning and an invasion. The last part of the story is the taking of the Maa Vagdevi idol to London.

The rangoli used about 125 kg of colours and measured 20 by 30 feet. Ten artists worked on it continuously for 24 hours.

It was made at the Diwali Milan programme of the Maharaja Bhoj Utsav Samiti. Through it, the samiti gave a message of freeing Bhojshala and restoring its glorious tradition.

The rangoli was not only about history. It also carried, in words, the present demand and feeling of the Hindu community. It read: "Our struggle has borne fruit... but the victory is incomplete... in Mother's temple, the Mother's idol is now essential." The demand to reinstall the Maa Vagdevi idol in Bhojshala was thus placed above all else. The samiti also spoke of removing social evils and raising awareness of cultural heritage.

During the programme, SP Sachin Sharma performed the aarti of Maa Vagdevi at the spot where the rangoli had been made. On the occasion, lamps were also lit in the sanctum of Maa Vagdevi in Bhojshala. The golden glow of the lamps lit up the whole hall.

The rows of lamps and the devotional atmosphere made the scene in the premises special. Devotees expressed their faith in Maa Vagdevi amid the light. The glow of the lamps appeared to carry a message of the light of knowledge, culture and tradition.

The Bhoj Utsav Samiti appealed to people to come to Bhojshala with family and friends every Tuesday from sunrise to sunset and join the satyagraha.

The tradition of making a rangoli at Bhojshala began in 2003, to raise awareness among people for the Bhojshala mukti andolan. The event has been held every year since.