Bhopal, Oct 17
The Madhya Pradesh government is expecting approximately 15 crore visitors from across the world during a month-long Simhastha Kumbh which will be held in the religious city Ujjain in 2028.
The largest congregation of Hindus, which is held once every 12 years, holds a special place nationally and globally. Preparations are currently being made for this significant event, as Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated in a recent meeting with senior officials in Ujjain. He stressed that preparations for Simhastha must begin immediately, with government departments and other organizations working in close coordination.
CM Yadav emphasized that Simhastha is a momentous event, not just for the state but for the entire country, with a global resonance. "To accommodate the vast number of devotees and tourists attending Simhastha, new construction projects are underway along with upgrades to existing facilities," he added.
Furthermore, CM Yadav indicated that Simhastha brings together all Vaishnava and Shaiva saints from the diverse Sanyasi traditions within Sanatan Dharma to shape its future direction, conduct, and form. He highlighted that preparations are already underway, emphasizing that India will guide the world through this global event and comprehensive arrangements are being made for the same.
The state government has already sanctioned a budget of Rs 5,882 crore for Simhastha mela, which includes several projects such as the construction of 'ghats' along the Kshipra river. CM Yadav had previously stated that Simhastha is the responsibility of both the Ujjain and Indore divisions.
Additionally, many devotees who visit Ujjain's Simhastha also visit Omkareshwar; therefore, connectivity between these two cities needs to be addressed on priority. The last Simhastha Kumbh was held in 2016 and attracted around 7.5 crore visitors from across the world, according to government reports.