The  month-long Simhastha Kumbh Mela has been started on April 21 in Ujjain city of India. It is the  largest congregation of Hindus that, began with the arrival of Juna Akhara for the royal bath on the banks of Kshipra river for the holy dip.

The Kumbh held every 12 years at Ujjain. A large number of people from different corners of country and abroad gathered in the holy city for the  Simhastha Mela. Ujjain is also the abode of Lord Mahakaleshwar, which is one of the  12 Jyotirlings in the country.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the  Chief Minister of hosting state  Madhya Pradesh, said that, “Over 5 crore pilgrims are expected to visit Ujjain and other holy places during the fair, for which huge security and logistical arrangements have been made, including shifting of police forces from various districts to Ujjain, one of the 12 jyotirlingas and the abode of Lord Mahakaleshwar.”

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ujjain Range, Madhu Kumar, said that, “Around 5 crore devotees are expected to take part in the Kumbh Mela on the banks of pious Shipra river for which security has been ramped up in every nook and cranny of the district.”

“At the time of Shahi Snan (royal dip) in Shipra river, 25,000 security personnel will keep a watch at the Mela venue,” Mr. Kumar added.

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Nandini