Simhastha Kumbh Mela begins in Ujjain

Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv Ujjain 2016

The month-long Simhastha Kumbh Mela, largest congregation of Hindus began in Ujjain early Friday with the arrival of Juna Akhara for the royal bath on the banks of Kshipra river for the holy dip.

A large number of people from different corners of the country have converged in the holy city for the Simhastha Mela, held every 12 years at Ujjain, which is also the abode of Lord Mahakaleshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlings in the country.

All the 13 Akharas of saints and seers will take dip one after another for which elaborate arrangements were made along the banks of Kshipra river.

Ujjain is fully geared up to host the month-long Kumbh Mela, during which over 5 crore people including seers are expected to visit the holy city, with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan saying it will be a “Green Simhastha”.

“Over 5 crore pilgrims are expected to visit Ujjain and other holy places during the fair, for which huge security and logistical arrangements have been made, including shifting of police forces from various districts to Ujjain, one of the 12 jyotirlingas and the abode of Lord Mahakaleshwar,” Mr. Chouhan said on Thursday evening on the eve of the Mela.

Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh also took bath at Gaughat on the opening day of the Simhastha.

“Around 5 crore devotees are expected to take part in the Kumbh Mela on the banks of pious Shipra river for which security has been ramped up in every nook and cranny of the district,” said Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ujjain Range, Madhu Kumar.

At present, 22,000 security personnel, including the State policemen, personnel from central forces and other departments have been deployed, he said.

“At the time of Shahi Snan (royal dip) in Shipra river, 25,000 security personnel will keep a watch at the Mela venue,” Mr. Kumar added.

3000 artists to perform in National Cultural Festival at Kumbh

The festival will begin with vedic chants each morning and over 150 rangoli artists will make presentations during the day. (Source PTI)

Around 3,000 artists from across the country are likely to perform at National Cultural Festival being organised at Ujjain as part of month-long ‘Simhastha Kumbh’ which starts from Saturday.

Classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj will perform on the inaugural day on Saturday at the festival which will witness classical and light music, folk dances, kavi sammelan, plays, rangoli, art workshops, among other events.

The festival will begin with vedic chants each morning and over 150 rangoli artists will make presentations during the day.

“Around 3,000 artists from all over India have been invited to perform at the festival that will see a huge gathering…Well-known artists of the nation will showcase their talent,” an official statement said.

SCZCC (South Central Zone Cultural Centre), Nagpur has been appointed as a nodal agency by the Culture Ministry for organising the festival.

All Seven Cultural Zones of the country along with Lalit Kala Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, National School of Drama, Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, and Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi will be participating in the festival being organised in collaboration with Madhya Pradesh government.

Keywords: Simhastha Kumbh Mela, Ujjain Kumbh Mela