Madhya Pradesh gears up for the grand Simhastha 2028 Kumbh Mela in Ujjain
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh — The Madhya Pradesh government is already preparing for the upcoming Simhastha (Kumbh) Festival in 2028, one of the biggest Hindu religious events in the country. To make sure everything runs smoothly, officials are bringing in experienced leaders who have previously managed the festival.
During a high-level review meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav late on Friday night, it was decided to involve senior administrative and police officials who served during the last two Simhastha festivals in 2004 and 2016. Many of these officials are now retired but still have valuable knowledge to offer.
Chief Minister Yadav emphasized the importance of Simhastha 2028, calling it a “prestigious event” that needs meticulous planning. He mentioned that the state has also studied the arrangements made during the Maha Kumbh held earlier this year in Prayagraj to learn how to provide better facilities and convenience for millions of devotees coming to Ujjain.
Key officials, including Chief Secretary Anurag Jain and Director General of Police Kailash Makwana, attended the meeting. Yadav added that similar reviews and consultations will continue regularly to ensure all preparations are on track.
The government is assigning responsibilities across departments and will review progress at frequent intervals. They are also receiving support from the Central Government to ensure things run smoothly for the event. Recently, railway officials discussed increasing transport facilities to manage the influx of pilgrims.
The focus is on improving the city’s ghats (riverbanks) and nearby areas to facilitate a safe and easy bathing experience for devotees. The tourism department, along with private partners, is working to arrange accommodations, including hotels and housing for police and staff involved in the festival.
A special task force comprising top IAS officers and local officials from Ujjain’s district administration and police is overseeing the entire preparation process. This team will ensure everything is ready for the month-long event.
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years on the sacred banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain. The last festival took place from April 22 to May 21, 2016, attracting millions of pilgrims from India and abroad.
With millions expected to attend in 2028, Ujjain is leaving no stone unturned to make this event a safe, smooth, and memorable experience for all.
