Ujjain, the spiritual heart of Madhya Pradesh, is gearing up for a groundbreaking event as Chief Minister Mohan Yadav prepares to inaugurate the five-day ‘Mahakal Van Mela’ on February 11. This pioneering forest department exhibition at Sethi Nagar’s Dasahara Maidan promises to blend devotion with development, highlighting the state’s rich forest resources.
The event, themed ‘Prosperous Forests, Happy People,’ will run from February 11 to 16, marking the first time such a fair is hosted in this sacred city. CM Yadav will not only kick off the mela but also launch ‘Mahakal Van Prasad,’ a novel initiative by the forest department. Additionally, he will release ‘Mahakal Smriti Upahar,’ crafted at the Minor Forest Produce Processing and Research Center (MFP Park).
Aimed at promoting non-timber forest products (NTFPs), the mela will showcase collections from tribals across the state. Gatherers, Van Dhan Kendras, primary cooperative societies, traders, and representatives from herbal and Ayurvedic industries will display and sell their produce, fostering conservation, processing, and marketing.
Visitors can expect a family-friendly atmosphere with kids’ play zones, wheelchair access, golf carts, seating areas, water points, and selfie spots. Highlights include buyer-seller meets, free medical consultations by Ayurvedic doctors and traditional healers, cultural performances, and traditional foods. Special attractions feature a cheetah family exhibit, a massive dinosaur statue, dedicated seating for OPD patients, free bus service from Mahakal Temple, and amenities for seniors.
During the event, the Chief Minister will honor divisional forest officers (DFOs), the managing director of Panna South District Union, and a forest guard from the same union with appreciation letters. This mela underscores Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to empowering forest communities while celebrating Ujjain’s cultural heritage.