39-Day Grand Vikramotsav to Begin in Ujjain from February 12

Additional Chief Secretary for Culture and Religious Trusts & Endowments, Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla, said that the grand formal inauguration of Vikramotsav–2026 will take place on February 15 with the magnificent and divine celebrations of Mahashivratri, dedicated to Mahadev, the creator of the universe. He said that the festival will culminate with the conclusion of the specially designed Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign, focused on the protection and enrichment of the water element, one of the five great elements, coinciding with Varsh Pratipada, the day marking the creation of the universe. Prior to this, from February 12, exhibitions and producer showcases on herbal products and traditional herbal knowledge will be organised at the Mahakal Van Mela. Thus, from February 12 to June 30, 2026, this 139-day-long celebration will emerge as a unique festival of cultural, social, and economic activities at both national and global levels.

ACS Shri Shukla said that the first phase will begin on February 15 (Mahashivratri) with the devotional presentation “Shivo’ham Mahadev” by renowned music composer Pritam. The second phase, from March 19 to June 30, 2026, will be held under the Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign. During this phase, more than 4,000 artists will present performances across over 41 multidimensional activities. He shared information during a press conference at MPT Lake View Residency. Senior officials and representatives from cultural and research institutions were present on the occasion.

Samrat Vikramaditya Alankaran to Be the Nation’s Biggest Honour

Shri Shukla said that to preserve the legacy of Gananayak Samrat Vikramaditya and to re-establish his values of valour, generosity, justice, righteousness, and compassion for the people, an international award of ₹1 crore 1 lakh has been instituted. In addition, a national award of ₹21 lakh in the name of Samrat Vikramaditya has been instituted, along with three state-level awards of ₹5 lakh each.

He said that more than 41 diverse activities will be organised during the 139-day festival, including the inauguration of Shivratri fairs, Mahakal Van Mela, agriculture fair, Kalash Yatra, Vikram Trade Fair, music, dance and instrumental performances, Shivodya, Shiv Puran, Anadi Parv, Vikram Natya Samaroh, Puppet Festival, Anahad intellectual conclave on the origin and evolution of music, art exhibitions, seminars, Vikramaditya Nyay Sammelan, Indian History Conclave, National Science Conclave, Veda Antakshari, Koti Suryopasana, handicraft workshops, book releases, an international mythological film festival, all-India poets’ meets in regional dialects and Hindi, Matrushakti women poets’ conference on the eve of International Women’s Day, drone shows and performances by renowned Music Composers Pritam and Vishal Mishra.

Releases of various publications, including the Vikram Panchang based on Indian time-reckoning, will also take place. The Samrat Vikramaditya International Alankaran, the country’s largest honour, will remain the central attraction.

Mahakal Van Mela at Dussehra Maidan, Ujjain

Under Vikramotsav, the Mahakal Van Mela will be organised from February 12 to 16 at Dussehra Maidan, Ujjain. The event will feature exhibitions on herbal products and traditional herbal knowledge, free health check-ups by Ayurvedic doctors and cultural activities.

Deva Mahadev Parv: Fairs at Over 60 Major Shiva Temples

On the occasion of Mahashivratri, fairs will be organised at more than 60 prominent Shiva temples across the state as part of artistic and cultural worship of Lord Shiva. Temple decoration, cleanliness, and cultural programmes will be key highlights.

Exhibitions on Mythological, Spiritual, Historical and Tribal Themes

Seven major exhibitions will be organised at the Maharaja Vikramaditya Research Centre and Kalidas Sanskrit Academy premises, focusing on mythological, spiritual, historical, and tribal themes. These include exhibitions on Samrat Vikramaditya and Ayodhya, Arsha Bharat, Mahabharata-era weapons, Chakravyuh, flags, conch shells, 84 Mahadev, tribal Devalok, Shri Krishna Prabhat and Ragamala.

Vikram Natya Samaroh to Feature NSD Productions

A ten-day Vikram Natya Samaroh will stage acclaimed national and international theatrical productions, including creations of the National School of Drama, along with other notable plays.

Puppet Festival from February 25 to 28

The Puppet Festival will showcase six traditional puppet styles from across India, presenting stories such as Samrat Vikramaditya, Bhima and Bakasura, Duryodhan Vadh, and Padmagatha.

All-India Poets’ Conferences

Under Lokranjan, an All-India Poets’ Conference in tribal languages and dialects will be held on March 1. On the eve of International Women’s Day, ‘Akhil Bhartiya Mahila Kavi Sammelan will be organised. Another Kavi Sammelan featuring ten renowned poets from across the country will be held on March 14.

Shiv Puran Events

From March 13 to 17, exhibitions, folk dances, and dance dramas based on the Shiv Puran, one of the 18 Puranas of the Indian knowledge tradition, will be organised.

International Mythological Film Festival

The International Mythological Film Festival will be held in Ujjain from March 13 to 17, 2026, with participation from over 25 countries. More than 25 films in languages such as English, French, Hebrew, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Mongolian, Fijian, Indonesian, African languages, Nigerian languages, Sinhala, and Greek will be screened, including films centred on the Mahabharata.