Festival of largest gathering on planet, Simhasth Kumbh Mela
that occurs in every 12 years is going to take place from April 22nd to May 21st 2016 at Ujjain.
According to Hindu calendar it is on Chaitra Shukla Purnima- Vaishakha Shukla Purnima,
Vikram Samvat 2073. This Mahaparv basically held in 4 devout cities of India - Haridwar,
Allahabad, Nasik & Ujjain.
Why this
time in Ujjain?
Well, the Ujjain has numerous significances as it is one of the
most ancient cities of India. It is believed that schooling of Lord Krishna was
done in this city only and Kalidas had composed his poetry works in Ujjain. But
apart from all this, it is mainly because of its unique geographical location
as the Tropic of Cancer passes through it.
Mahaparv specially called as Simhasth because the Sun is in the Zodiac Aries
& the Jupiter is in the Zodiac Leo, when it takes place. We all are aware
of beginning and the reason of celebrating it. It all started from pot (Kumbh)
emerging out from the Samudra Manthan, the famous event of Churning of the
ocean from the Hindu mythology. It is
believed that in every 12 years, a drop of nectar from kumbh drops in the pious
river & taking a dip in the river would purifies the soul & overcomes
all the sins.
Heartening to know that along with Sanatan Dharma people from
other religions, section & even from other countries are participating with
same enthusiasm and harmony. It is to be expected that around 5 Crore i.e. 50
Million pilgrims could join the Mahaparv. Devotees could visit Mahakaleshwar
Jyotirlinga & other ancient temples & would find spiritual solace in
Satsang & Sankirtan with Sadhus. Like always the Mela will take traditional
start, Akharas head join the procession on silver throne on elephants, armed
Sadhus horses & camels followed by Sadhus. Over 97000 quintals of marigold
flower will be available during the Mela.
Government,
Supervising from the Front
Before, the government’s role was limited to making
arrangements, but this year the government itself has become an integral part
of the event. The arrangements & facilities of the Mela are massive & marvelous.
It is directly monitored by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, whose
headquarter has been made at Ujjain. Several cabinet meetings, international
seminars are to be held in Ujjain during Mahaparv. Law & order will be
deployed by thousands of policemen.
Arrangements
for supply of drinking water, milk, food, grains, fuel, cottage which include
24 hours internet, waterproof sheet, AC or cooler, folding chairs & bed,
mat, even attached bathroom & lamp have already been made. Around 3 Crore
& 9 Crore have been spent on streetlight & tube wells respectively.
50KW of free power will be supplied to Akhadas & 30KW to saints’ seers. For
devotees arrangement of mainly clean, chilled water & tent for rest is made
at every 1km on 118km long Panchkroshi Marg. If lighting arrangements are
disrupted, generators will work & emergency lights will be the backup
option of generators. Separate changing rooms for men & women have been
made. 24 hours hospital facilities will be provided with 30-35 doctors on duty,
12 hours free treatment will be given. Charak Hospital has been established to
deal with complicated medical case & to handle emergency surgeries. Even
online booking & facilities of mobile app will be provided.
This festival is a call for the devotees to take a dip in the
fervor of spirituality and for the administration to beat out all the
challenges, show their excellence and make this occasion a wonderful trip for
the pilgrims.
