Administration yields to joint agitation by Hindus to protect the sanctity of the historic temple premises
Pune, Maharashtra – Following an organised and united demand from various pro-Hindu organisations to implement restrictive orders for Bakri Eid, local authorities have announced that Sarasbaug Garden in Pune will remain closed on 28 and 29 May 2026 as a precautionary security measure.
Backdrop of the security concerns
The security concerns stem from an incident on 9 March 2026, the day following Ramzan Eid, when a large crowd from the Muslim community assembled within the historic Sarasbaug premises. In response to this development, a united coalition of pro-Hindu organisations, including Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Sakal Hindu Samaj, Patit Pavan Sanghatana, Swatantryaveer Savarkar Vichar Manch, Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, and Swatantryaveer Savarkar Yuva Vichar Manch, jointly organised the ‘Hindu Rashtra-Jagruti Andolan’.
As part of the agitation, demands were made to put a permanent ban on any non-Hindu collective programs within the Sarasbaug temple premises, and immediate issuance of orders to prevent crowding, meat consumption, or any untoward incidents during Bakri Eid.
Formal memoranda outlining their grievances were also submitted to the Pune Police, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner, and the District Collector’s office.
Furthermore, the management and trustees of the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, situated within the Sarasbaug premises, also petitioned the administration. Their memorandum requested that the garden area be closed following the upcoming Bakri Eid festival to prevent potential security complications.
Pune Mayor confirms two-day closure
Confirming the closure, Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure stated that the decision was dictated by prevailing security requirements. She noted that prohibitory orders are currently in force across the city, and against this backdrop, and strictly for security reasons, the decision has been taken to keep Sarasbaug closed to the public for 2 days.
Despite protests, no restrictive orders on Sarasbaug ahead of Bakri Eid
May 21, 2026
Hindu demands ignored by Pune administration
Pune, Maharashtra – Ahead of Bakri Eid, devout Hindu organisations had demanded through protests that restrictive orders be issued to maintain the sanctity of Sarasbaug and the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple premises. However, the Pune Municipal Corporation and Pune Police administration have completely ignored this sensitive demand.
As of the afternoon of 18 May, no restrictive order or circular had been issued by the administration in this regard, informed Shri. Sunil Ghanwat, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh State Coordinator of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.
On this entire issue and the administration’s inaction, senior journalist Shekhar Joshi raised strong objections through a Facebook post, questioning both the administration and those in power.
Demand for restrictive orders during Bakri Eid
A few days earlier, during Ramzan, large gatherings of the Muslim community had assembled at Sarasbaug. The administration had failed to maintain the sanctity and security of this historically significant and sacred site from the Peshwa era.
Earlier, a similar incident of namaz being offered openly had also been reported at Shaniwarwada.
Against this backdrop, on 27 April 2026, several devout Hindu organisations, including Vishva Hindu Parishad, Patit Pavan Sanghatana, Swatantryaveer Savarkar Vichar Manch, Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, Swatantryaveer Savarkar Yuva Vichar Manch, and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, jointly organised a ‘Hindu Rashtra-Jagruti Andolan’.
Through this movement, they demanded immediate restrictive orders to prevent large gatherings, non-vegetarian activities, or any inappropriate conduct at Sarasbaug during Bakri Eid, along with a permanent ban on non-Hindu collective programmes.
Serious questions raised by journalist Shekhar Joshi
- Despite the BJP being in power in both the Pune Municipal Corporation and the state, why are the demands of devout Hindu groups being ignored? MP Dr Medha Kulkarni had taken a clear stand and protested against the namaz incident at Shaniwarwada, so why are other BJP MLAs, MPs, and former corporators silent? Why is the Mayor silent on this issue?
- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has publicly taken a clear and legal stand that namaz will not be allowed on roads under any circumstances during Bakri Eid. Then why, even after a month of petitions and protests, has Maharashtra Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis not taken a firm stand on the Sarasbaug issue?
- If the administration and government in Maharashtra remain inactive in protecting Hindu religious sites, is it wrong for the public to compare the leadership in Maharashtra with Yogi Adityanath’s leadership?
Hindu groups protest at Sarasbaug; demand restrictive orders for Sarasbaug ahead of Bakri Eid
April 26, 2026
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‘Sarasbaug will not be another Shaheen Bagh’ – Hindu groups organise strong protests in Pune
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Protesters condemn administrative failure
Pune, Maharashtra – To preserve the sanctity of the historic Sarasbaug and the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple area, a site of great reverence for the Hindu community, pro-Hindu organisations took a firm stand today. Following the massive crowds that gathered in the area during Ramzan, various Hindu outfits organised a spontaneous “Hindu Rashtra-Jagruti Andolan.” Expressing outrage over administrative lapses and vowing not to let Sarasbaug become another “Shaheen Bagh,” protesters demanded that the administration immediately implement restrictive orders for the upcoming Bakri Eid on May 27.
The protesters noted that the gathering of thousands on March 22 during Ramzan was a serious matter. They claimed the administration completely failed to protect the security and sanctity of this Peshwa-era heritage site. “Is this Sarasbaug or Shaheen Bagh?” protesters asked indignantly, stating that the incident had deeply offended Hindu religious sentiments.
Major demands of the protest
- An immediate investigation into the officials who allowed the March 22 gathering, with criminal charges to be filed against them.
- Concrete administrative steps to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
- A permanent ban on any non-Hindu collective programs within the Sarasbaug temple premises.
- Immediate issuance of orders to prevent crowding, meat consumption, or any untoward incidents during Bakri Eid on May 27.
- The government should view these events not as coincidences but as systematic religious encroachment affecting internal security.
Prominent participants
The protest saw a large attendance of leaders and activists, including CA Mr. Sarvesh Mehendale, Shri. Swapnil Naik (Patit Pavan Sanghatana), Shri. Vidyadhar Nargolkar (Swatantryaveer Savarkar Vichar Manch), H.B.P. Dattatray Chorghe Maharaj (Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh), Shri. Dada Vedak (Vishwa Hindu Parishad), Shri. Dayanand Bandgar (Swatantryaveer Savarkar Yuva Vichar Manch), and Shri. Parag Gokhale (Hindu Janajagruti Samiti). The protest concluded with a collective Aarti. Protesters warned the administration of a “massive democratic stir” if their demands are not addressed with urgency.
