Bhopal. Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Ujjain has been burning the light of religion, knowledge, science and culture for centuries. With this spirit of heritage and development, a grand cultural extravaganza of Vikramotsav is being organized in Ujjain. He said that this is not just a celebration, but a symbol of our cultural identity and historical self-respect.

The Chief Minister said that the great Emperor Vikramaditya established a strong tradition of justice, good governance and public welfare. His reign was famous as the golden age of learning, science, astrology and literature. Vikram Samvat is a glorious symbol of Indian scientific thinking and cultural prosperity.

He said that Vikramotsav is being spread to villages, towns and cities across the state and Shivratri fairs have also been linked to it. On the occasion of Mahashivratri, the Chief Minister inaugurated Vikramotsav 2026 by wishing the people of Ujjain.

Samrat Vikramaditya Samman: Announcement of international and national awards

The Chief Minister said that the good governance tradition of Emperor Vikramaditya has been famous all over the world. His court was adorned with Navaratnas and he expanded the culture by defeating the Shakas. He announced the establishment of an international decoration award of Rs 1 crore 1 lakh in the memory of Emperor Vikramaditya. Apart from this, a national award of Rs 21 lakh and three state level awards of Rs 5 lakh each will also be started. He said that these honors will give a new identity to the cultural dignity of India at the global level.

Vikramotsav Achievements: International awards and increasing recognition

The Chief Minister said that the recognition of Vikramotsav is continuously increasing. In 2024, it received the Asia's Largest Religious Festival Award, while in 2025, it was honored with the “Longstanding IP of the Year” by the eMaxum Global Awards. He expressed confidence that in the coming years also this festival will spread the identity of Indian culture to the world.

Simhastha and Ujjain Development: Road, Ghat and Kshipra River Conservation Plan

The Chief Minister said that Ujjain is called the navel place of the earth and crores of devotees come here during Simhastha. Therefore, priority is being given to the preparations for the upcoming Simhastha. For the convenience of devotees, four lane and six lane roads are being constructed around Ujjain. About 30 kilometers long ghats have been built for bathing in the Kshipra river. A special action plan is also underway to keep the river clean and flowing.

Indian time calculation and Vikram Samvat: emphasis on cultural tradition

The Chief Minister said that Ujjaini has been a center of calculation since ancient times and our festivals are determined on the basis of Vikram Samvat. He suggested that the tradition of giving “good wishes” instead of “good wishes” should be promoted on festivals. Vikramaditya Vedic clock has also been introduced for the purpose of establishing Indian time calculation.

Prime Minister's leadership and state development: Focus on agriculture, industry and employment

The Chief Minister said that the country is continuously developing under the leadership of Narendra Modi and the state government is also dedicated to the welfare of farmers, youth, women and the poor. There is continuous expansion in the fields of industry, business, entrepreneurship and agriculture. Celebrating the year 2025 as the Year of Industry and Employment, regional summits were organized in Rewa, Sagar, Narmadapuram, Gwalior and Singrauli. The year 2026 is being celebrated as the Year of Agriculture.

Vikramotsav 2026 programme: 139 days of cultural events

Anil Jain Kaluhera and Chief Minister's Culture Advisor Shriram Tiwari also addressed the program. He informed that there will be more than 41 cultural, spiritual and social programs in Vikramotsav which will last for 139 days. This includes events like exhibitions, Kalash Yatra, musical evenings, Vikram Trade Fair and academic sessions. This event is being organized with the cooperation of Culture Department, Vikramaditya Research Chair and District Administration, due to which an atmosphere of cultural enthusiasm is being created in the entire state.