Ujjain, Aug 25 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday called for collective participation in preparations for Simhastha-2028 in Ujjain, saying people from different sections had already contributed land and other resources for the mega religious gathering.
Addressing, through video conferencing, a ceremony marking Jagdish Agrawal taking charge as chairman of the Simhastha Mela Authority, Yadav said the government, saints, administration and social organisations would have to work together for the successful conduct of the festival.
The Chief Minister said the people belonging to different religious organisations have also come forward to contribute to preparations by making land available for places of worship, while several citizens have voluntarily offered space from their houses and commercial establishments.
“The participation of all sections in the development works for Simhastha reflects the collective spirit with which Ujjain is preparing for the festival. Farmers who have land available may develop facilities such as schools, hospitals and hostels on their land, for which the government will extend support,” Yadav said. The Chief Minister said development projects being undertaken for Simhastha would make Ujjain more organised and improve facilities for devotees and saints.
He said arrangements were being planned under the guidance of saints and seers to ensure that pilgrims faced minimum inconvenience during the festival.
Agrawal assumed charge at the Simhastha Mela Authority office in the presence of saints and mahants. Before taking charge, he offered prayers before an image of Lord Mahakal amid chanting of Vedic mantras.
Agrawal said preparations for Simhastha had begun under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Yadav. He also appealed to residents to act as gracious hosts for devotees arriving in Ujjain.
Simhastha 2028 is expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Ujjain. The state government has undertaken a series of infrastructure and civic development projects ahead of the festival, including works aimed at improving connectivity and facilities for visitors.
--IANS
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