Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Saturday attended the workshop titled ' Simhastha 2016 Ka Anubhav, Simhastha 2028 Ka Sankalp' in Ujjain, where he shared his personal experiences from the Kumbh Melas organised earlier and outlined the state's preparations for the grand religious gathering scheduled in 2028.

The workshop commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, led by the Chief Minister. It brought together senior officials and individuals who had played key roles in organising earlier editions of the Kumbh Mela. 

Participants shed light on their experiences

Participants shared their experiences and insights before CM Dr Yadav addressed the gathering, assuring that the upcoming Simhastha would offer comprehensive facilities to ensure a seamless experience for devotees. He also stressed the need for close coordination with neighbouring states to ensure smooth management during the event.

Earlier in the programme, a short documentary highlighting the infrastructure development currently underway in Ujjain for Simhastha 2028 was screened. The state government expects more than 400 million devotees to visit the city during the festival, with nearly 40 million pilgrims likely to take the sacred Amrit Snan. To support the anticipated influx, 22 new bridges are being constructed across the Shipra River, alongside extensive civic and transport upgrades.

'Association with Ujjain is a blessing,' says CM Dr Yadav

Addressing the gathering, CM Dr Yadav said that everyone connected with Ujjain was fortunate to share a bond with the sacred city of Mahakal. He remarked that being associated with Ujjain enriches one's life, adding that even the gods are believed to desire residence in the holy city and to witness its rich spiritual legacy.

He went on to say that India was witnessing a transformative era under Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's leadership. He observed that unlike the past, when people waited for major festivals to celebrate, the country now experiences an atmosphere of joy and progress throughout the year. 

He added that religious tourism has emerged as a major attraction, drawing visitors to spiritually significant cities such as Ujjain. According to him, the government's objective is to undertake projects that deliver lasting benefits, and he described his own journey to the state's highest office as a blessing of Lord Mahakal.

CM recalls personal Simhastha experiences

The state’s top political leader also shared memories from his earlier association with the Kumbh Mela. He recalled serving as a Scout and Guide volunteer during the Simhastha of the 1980s and later becoming part of the Simhastha Committee in 1992.

Narrating a humorous incident, he said an elderly office assistant once stopped him at the entrance of the committee office, refusing to believe he was Mohan Yadav. The assistant remarked that the real Mohan Yadav's children would be about his age and asked him to leave. After considerable persuasion, the misunderstanding was finally resolved.

The Chief Minister said he recounted the episode to underline how earlier Simhastha committees included representatives from diverse sections of society. He noted that the government has deliberately not yet constituted all committees for the 2028 event, as it intends to involve not only representatives from Ujjain but also experienced individuals from other regions so that the planning process benefits from a wider range of expertise.

Infrastructure upgrades to transform Simhastha 2028

CM Dr Yadav said Simhastha belongs to everyone and highlighted the significant transformation Ujjain has undergone over the years. He noted that accommodation, once a major challenge due to the limited number of hotels and lodging facilities, is now being addressed through large-scale planning.

He said roads across the city have been widened to improve traffic movement, while major efforts have been made to upgrade bathing ghats and expand temple premises. Referring to the Shipra River, he said its shifting course, caused by silt deposits in the past, had posed a major challenge. However, the construction of permanent ghats has largely resolved the issue.

The Chief Minister also said better allocation of dharamshalas, improvements in railway infrastructure and enhanced coordination with neighbouring states would play a crucial role in ensuring orderly management during the festival. Expressing confidence in the preparations, he said the government was committed to organising Simhastha 2028 on a truly grand scale.