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