Bhopal: The much-awaited Simhastha Kumbh Mela began in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on Friday.


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Here are some of the things you should know:


 


  • Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious congregation of Hindus
  • Over five crore people including seers are expected to visit the holy city of Ujjain during Kumbh Mela
  • Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the Kumbh will be a "Green Simhastha"
  • No VVIP or VIP would visit Ujjain during the 'Shahi Snan' (royal bath) in Kshipra river, so that the event could be held without any disturbance
  • The first 'Shahi Snan' is slated for Friday (today), while another is scheduled on May 21.
  • Huge security and logistical arrangements have been put in place for the Kumbh
  • 22,000 security personnel, including state policemen, personnel from central forces and other departments, will take care of the security at the Kumbh
  • Ujjain is one of the 12 'jyotirlingas' and the abode of Lord Mahakaleshwar
  • As per convention, all 13 'akharas' of seers took out a procession called 'Peshwai' in Ujjain on the eve of the main fair on Thursday
  • This time eunuchs have also set up their 'akhara' in the fair area
  • A three-day international philosophic convention will be held during the Kumbh Mela which will be inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on May 12
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the concluding function of the convention on May 14
  • A declaration would be released in the end on issues like global warming, environment and pollution, value-based life, science and spiritualism, welfare of human being through religion, organic farming, cleanliness and women empowerment
  • Heads of state including that of Sri Lanka and Nepal will also attend the Mela