Simhastha 2028 Ujjain: CM Mohan Yadav urges collective push for mega Kumbh
Synopsis
With Jagdish Agrawal formally taking charge as Simhastha Mela Authority chairman, Ujjain's 2028 mega-pilgrimage is shifting from planning to execution. CM Mohan Yadav's call for citizen and farmer participation — backed by government support for schools, hospitals, and hostels on private land — signals an unusually decentralised model of religious-event infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav called for collective participation in Simhastha 2028 preparations on 25 August .
Jagdish Agrawal assumed charge as chairman of the Simhastha Mela Authority in Ujjain.
Citizens, religious organisations, and farmers have already begun voluntarily contributing land and space for the festival.
The government will support farmers who develop facilities such as schools, hospitals, and hostels on their land for Simhastha.
Simhastha 2028 is expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Ujjain; the state has launched multiple infrastructure and connectivity projects ahead of the event.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday, 25 August called for broad-based collective participation in the preparations for Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain, noting that citizens, religious organisations, and farmers had already begun contributing land and resources for the mega religious gathering expected to draw millions of pilgrims.
New Leadership at Simhastha Mela Authority
The occasion was a ceremony marking Jagdish Agrawal assuming charge as chairman of the Simhastha Mela Authority. Yadav addressed the event via video conferencing. Agrawal took charge at the Mela Authority office in the presence of saints and mahants, offering prayers before an image of Lord Mahakal amid Vedic chanting before formally assuming his responsibilities.
Agrawal stated that preparations for Simhastha had begun under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Yadav. He also appealed to Ujjain residents to act as gracious hosts for the millions of devotees expected to arrive for the festival.
What the Government Said
Chief Minister Yadav emphasised that the government, saints, administration, and social organisations would need to work in concert for the festival to be conducted successfully. He pointed to the voluntary spirit already on display, with members of different religious organisations making land available for places of worship and several citizens offering space from their homes 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.
Infrastructure Push Ahead of Simhastha
The state government has launched a series of infrastructure and civic development projects in Ujjain ahead of 2028, including works aimed at improving connectivity and visitor facilities. Yadav said these development projects would make Ujjain more organised and improve amenities for both devotees and saints. Arrangements are also reportedly being planned under the guidance of saints and seers to ensure minimum inconvenience to pilgrims during the festival.
Scale and Significance of Simhastha 2028
Simhastha — Ujjain's version of the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years — is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The 2028 edition is expected to attract millions of pilgrims from across India and abroad, placing enormous logistical and civic demands on the city. This comes amid a broader pattern of state governments investing heavily in pilgrimage infrastructure, following the model of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025, which drew record attendance. Ujjain's preparations, with citizen and farmer participation at their core, signal an attempt to distribute the development dividend beyond government agencies alone.
With Agrawal now at the helm of the Mela Authority, the institutional machinery for Simhastha 2028 is formally in motion.
Point of View
Where infrastructure bottlenecks drew criticism despite massive outlays. The appointment of a Mela Authority chairman this early — nearly three years out — suggests Madhya Pradesh is pacing its execution more deliberately. The real test will be whether the citizen-participation framework translates into durable civic assets for Ujjain, or remains a headline commitment that fades as the event draws closer.
NationPress
26 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain?
Simhastha is a massive religious gathering held in Ujjain every 12 years, equivalent to the Kumbh Mela. The 2028 edition is expected to draw millions of pilgrims from across India and abroad, and the Madhya Pradesh government has begun large-scale infrastructure and civic development in preparation.
Who is Jagdish Agrawal and what is his role?
Jagdish Agrawal has been appointed chairman of the Simhastha Mela Authority, the nodal body overseeing preparations for Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain. He assumed charge on 25 August in the presence of saints and mahants, after offering prayers before Lord Mahakal.
What did CM Mohan Yadav say about Simhastha 2028 preparations?
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called for collective participation from the government, saints, administration, and social organisations. He noted that citizens and farmers had already begun voluntarily contributing land, and said the government would support farmers who develop public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and hostels on their land for the festival.
How is the Madhya Pradesh government preparing for Simhastha 2028?
The state government has launched a series of infrastructure and civic development projects, including works to improve connectivity and visitor facilities in Ujjain. Arrangements are also being planned under the guidance of saints and seers to minimise inconvenience to pilgrims during the festival.
When is Simhastha held and why is it significant?
Simhastha is held in Ujjain once every 12 years, making it one of the most significant recurring religious events in India. The 2028 edition follows the 2016 Simhastha and is expected to be one of the largest pilgrimage gatherings in the country, placing major logistical demands on Ujjain's infrastructure.
