Bring Together All Communities and Traditions; Celebrate Alha-Udal Memorial Festival and Shravan Mahotsav: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Bhopal, June 2026 : Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that several major festivals, cultural celebrations and fairs will be organised over the next six to seven months. These occasions symbolise both religious faith and gratitude towards nature. He directed the Culture Department to organise large-scale events that bring together all communities, their beliefs and cultural traditions. He said that special programmes should be organised in memory of Alha and Udal, the iconic symbols of heroic ballad traditions. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also directed that Shravan Mahotsav and the Bhujaria Festival be celebrated. On the occasion of Nag Panchami, awareness should be created about biodiversity conservation, particularly the protection of snake species.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Culture Department should organise events that not only strengthen art and culture but also effectively communicate the government’s messages by fostering public participation. The Chief Minister was addressing a review meeting of the schemes and activities being implemented by the Culture Department at Mantralaya on Monday. He said that Madhya Pradesh’s art, culture, traditions and rich archaeological heritage are invaluable assets that must be preserved and promoted. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed officials to undertake effective, systematic efforts to establish the State’s cultural identity at the national and international levels.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the State Government is making every possible effort for the cultural renaissance of Madhya Pradesh and is moving forward with active participation from society. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism and Religious Trusts and Endowments, Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, was also present at the meeting.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also released the ‘Kala Panchang’ prepared by the Culture Department for the financial year 2026-27. The calendar contains a comprehensive schedule of artistic and cultural activities planned throughout the year, which is now to be implemented systematically.

He said that the scope of religious and cultural activities in the State will expand significantly in the future. He directed that the Culture Department be further restructured by effectively integrating its internal strengths and areas of expertise. Departmental activities should also be expanded according to contemporary requirements.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasised that the Departments of Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments, and Cottage and Village Industries should work in close coordination to promote religious and spiritual tourism in the State. This would also provide wider recognition to craft products, loom décor items and embroidery work produced by skilled artisans of Madhya Pradesh.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed that a separate academy be established in the name of Samrat Vikramaditya. He said that the academy should undertake comprehensive research on the life, legacy and contributions of Samrat Vikramaditya, while also carrying out related academic, cultural and research activities.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav further directed that, in addition to renowned temples and pilgrimage centres outside the State, the two Jyotirlingas in Madhya Pradesh, revered and wish-fulfilling Shakti Peethas and other important religious sites within the State should also be included in the Chief Minister Teerth Darshan Scheme.

Chief Minister Dr Yadav, reviewing the progress of the Shri Ram Van Gaman Path and Shri Krishna Pathay Project, instructed officials to accelerate construction work. He said that both projects are not only centres of religious faith but are also of immense importance for the State’s cultural and tourism development. Their timely completion will provide a new impetus to religious tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also emphasised the need to enhance public participation in cultural activities. He said that greater involvement of people in cultural programmes organised across villages, towns and cities would help the younger generation connect with the State’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reviewed the progress of various schemes, conservation initiatives and upcoming cultural events being implemented by the Culture Department. He emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to further strengthen the State’s cultural identity.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also sought information about the historic fort in Jagdishpur near Bhopal. He said that a State Cabinet meeting would soon be held there to revive the fort’s historical significance and bring it national recognition. The Chief Minister further directed officials to compile details of singers, artists and other eminent personalities from Madhya Pradesh who have earned national and international recognition. Efforts should be made to encourage them to perform in Madhya Pradesh, which would provide wider exposure to the State’s artistic and cultural diversity while also giving these artistes an opportunity to reconnect with their roots.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also directed that the Culture Department should recommend deserving artists, social workers and environmentalists from Madhya Pradesh for Padma Awards while forwarding proposals to the Government of India. He further instructed that a permanent scheme be formulated to provide financial assistance to Padma Award recipients from the State who may require support.

Additional Chief Secretary, Culture, Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla informed Chief Minister Dr. Yadav that 17 religious and cultural complexes and 20 museums are currently under development across the State. He said that construction works worth approximately ₹4,160 crore have been undertaken under the Culture Department since 2023, with several projects already completed and others nearing inauguration. He informed that works worth ₹160 crore are currently underway under the Shri Ram Van Gaman Path project. Installation of sculptures at Shri Mahakal Lok is progressing steadily, while the Shri Ram Raja Lok project at Orchha is being developed in an entirely new format based on six thematic concepts. Permanent management arrangements are also being put in place for the regular operation of all cultural complexes across the State. ACS Shri Shukla informed that necessary arrangements are being made for the smooth functioning of all music colleges in the State and the International Buddhist Indian Knowledge Studies University at Sanchi. Degrees courses are being conducted at the Madhya Pradesh School of Drama, which has gained such recognition that official from the National School of Drama, have visited to study its facilities and academic programmes. He also informed that continuous coordination is being maintained with the Government of Uttar Pradesh for the integrated development of Chitrakoot.

Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shri Manish Rastogi, Commissioner Archaeology Shri Madan Nagargoje, Director Culture Shri N.P. Namdev and other senior departmental officials were present at the meeting.