Ujjain Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela in Ujjain 2016, 22 April – 21 May 2016
Festive occasions and fairs are an important part of the lives of people in Ujjain. An ancient religious centre, Ujjain is famous for the Kumbh Mela, a month-long fair attended by thousands of Hindu devotees. Locally known as Sinhast,the fair is held every 12 years, beginning on the full moon in the month of Chaitra (March-April) when Jupiter is in Scorpio and the Sun is in Aries.
Ujjain Ardha Kumbh (half Kumbh)
The Ardha Kumbh(half Kumbh) is held every six years. Legend has it that a kumbh (pot) containing nectar arose from the depths of the ocean because of a tug-of-war between the gods and the demons. The ocean was churned with the help of the snake Vasuki, and Mount Meru.
A fight broke out between the gods and the demons over the pot of nectar. In the ensuing conflict, drops of nectar fell on the places that are now Prayag(Allahabad), Nasik, Hardwar and Ujjain.
Ujjain Shivaratriis
The age-old festival of Shivaratriis dedicated to Shiva, the Destroyer in the Hindu Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer. Devotees flock to the temples at dawn and make special offerings of berries and belpatra or leaves of the wood apple. The Shiva linga (Shiva’s symbolic phallus) is bathed with milk and honey and worshipped on Shivaratri.
Centre of Cultural Activities
Centre of Cultural Activities – Madhya Pradesh tourism also promotes other cultural activities held in Ujjain. The state is the centre of cultural activities and festivals such as the Malwa Utsav, a festival of folk and classical music, and the All IndiaKalidasa Festival. These festivals are held annually in Ujjain by the government of Madhya Pradesh. Dedicated to the 4th century poet Kalidasa, the Kalidasa Festival honours the creative talent of authors, poets and playwrights.
Moreover, the Theatre Academy of Madhya Pradesh also has its centre at Ujjain.
