Ujjain is all set to host the Kumbh Mela, the biggest religious congregation of Hindus, from today during which, over five crore people including seers are expected to visit the holy city. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that it will be a "Green Simhastha".

"We have made all arrangements for holding the grand religious Simhastha mela in Ujjain. During the month-long fair, a three-day international philosophic convention will be held which will be inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on May 12 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the concluding function on May 14," Chouhan said.

The chief minister said that a declaration will be released on issues confronting the world like global warming, environment and pollution, value-based life, science and spiritualism, welfare of human being through religion, organic farming, cleanliness and women empowerment. "In other words, it will be a Green Simhastha," the CM said.

"This time eunuchs have also set up their 'akhara' in the mela area and today they have successfully taken out their procession in the city, which was accorded grand welcome," Chouhan said.

“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,” Mr. Chouhan said.

"Around five 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," said Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ujjain Range, Madhu Kumar.

“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.

By Premji