Gudi Padwa to be celebrated as ‘Srishti Aarambh Diwas’ in the state – Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that a new history of cultural evolution is being written under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Vikramotsav-2025 and Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroha to be held in Madhya Pradesh will be organized grandly. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that during the event in Ujjain, guests and students should be introduced to the history, science, culture, and values ​​of Ujjain along with Mahakal Devdarshan. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reviewed Vikramotsav-2025, Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroha, and the museum being constructed by Veer Bharat Trust in Mantralaya.

Addressing the Central Committee meeting of Kalidas Sanskrit Academy, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Kalidas celebrations start from the Gadkalika temple. An inscription on Kalidasa’s connection with the Gadhakalika temple and its importance should be established. Besides, information boards for the general public should also be put up at other places related to Kalidas.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav sought information about the awards given during the Kalidas Samman Samaroha and gave instructions to increase the amount given under the awards. Necessary instructions were given after a detailed discussion on the invitation of guests, programme format, awards and cultural programmes, and other arrangements at the function. Kalidas Samaroh will be organized from 12 to 18 November. It will start on November 10 with Vaagarchan at Gadkalika temple in Ujjain. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav learned about the outline of Kalidas celebrations through a presentation.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Kalidas Sanskrit Academy is organized every year. In this, a permanent structure should be built instead of a temporary structure. This will reduce the expenditure incurred on temporary structures each time. He said that a plan for infrastructure construction should be made keeping in mind the cultural events and creative activities to be held throughout the year. He said that special attention should be paid to the branding and publicity of Kalidas Samaroha. Ujjain and Mahakaleshwar have been specially mentioned in Meghdoot by Kalidas. This should be promoted by linking it to Mahakal, to enhance the dignity of the event.

Review meeting of preparations for Vikramotsav 2025

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the festival of Gudi Padwa will be celebrated as ‘Srishti Aarambh Diwas’ in the entire state along with Ujjain on March 30. The Department of Culture organizes events and festivals in and outside the state. Vikramotsav of Ujjain has created its own identity.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, while reviewing the preparations for Vikramotsav 2025, gave necessary instructions on the outline of the event, cultural programme, trade fair, exhibition, and Vichar Samagam. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that experts in science and astronomy should be invited to Vikramotsav at the National Scientific Conference. This will enhance the dignity of the event and inspire the youth of the state. The All India Kavi Sammelan to be held during the festival should be focused on Vikramaditya and the poems of the poets should be penned.

It was told that the first phase of Vikramotsav-2025 will be organized in Ujjain from Mahashivratri to Gudi Padwa. This includes Mahakal Shivajyoti Arpanam, Vikram Trade Fair, Prabhu Shringar Competition in temples, All India Kavi Sammelan, National Scientific Conference, International Festival of Mythological Films, Vikram Drama Festival, International History Conference, Exhibition, Publications, Awards and musical presentation of famous folk artists, etc.

‘Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan’ will run in the entire state in the second phase of Vikramotsav

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that in the second phase of Vikramotsav, work for the conservation and promotion of rivers and water structures of the state will be done at the state level under the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan in the entire state from March 30 to June 30, 2025. This grand event will conclude with a special cultural event like Ganga Dussehra last year.

Vikramotsav, which was inaugurated earlier by the Chief Minister, has also received the WOW award for Largest Religious Festival in Asia in 2024. In 2023, this event continued for 33 days, which became 42 days in 2024. This year in 2025, this event is proposed for more than 101 days. In the initial years, it was just a cultural event, but now it has become an event with many dimensions of social, and cultural heritage and development.

Probably there is no other event in the country where activities like Kalash Yatra, Mahakal Shivjyoti Arpanam, Vikram Trade Fair, Anadi Parv, Vichar Samagam, Prabhu Shringar Competition in temples, All India Kavi Sammelan of different dialects, National Scientific Conference, Mahadev Sculpture Workshop, International Festival of Mythological Films, Vikram Natya Samaroh, Veda Antakshari, Daivagya Samman Samaroha, International History Conference, All India Kavi Sammelan, Suryopasana, Exhibition, Publication, Award, Musical presentation by famous folk artists, grand fireworks, etc. take place simultaneously.

Veer Bharat Trust meeting

Chief Minister Dr. said in the meeting of Veer Bharat Trust that efforts should be made to make the newly constructed museum in Ujjain an experiential and activity-based museum instead of a literary and traditional museum. Content should be created in an entertaining manner using innovative technology so that the youth will connect with the museum and it will become a center of tourism in the country. A committee should be formed to give suggestions on content creation in the museum.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that changing the name of the museum should be considered depending on the theme of the galleries in the museum. Other necessary arrangements including accommodation for researchers coming to study at the museum should be ensured. A plan should be made in collaboration with experts and organizations for the proposed road construction for the museum.

Committee members including Culture, Tourism and Religious Trusts and Endowments Minister Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi along with MPs from Ujjain, public representatives, and culture lovers joined through the video conference. Minister of State for Skill Development and Employment (Independent Charge) Shri Gautam Tetwal, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Rajesh Rajoura, Principal Secretary Culture and Tourism Shri Sheoshekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Shri Anupam Rajan, Shri Manish Rastogi were present.