The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Madhya Pradesh): In a grand celebration of the Hindu New Year, Vikram Samvat 2081, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, accompanied by his wife Seema Yadav, illuminated Ram Ghat on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain with 5.51 lakh lamps. This event took place on Tuesday and included intricate designs made from lamps to promote voter awareness ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
Chief Minister Yadav, observing the model code of conduct, refrained from accessing the stage but participated in the festivities by performing ‘deep daan,’ a ritual of offering lamps. He shared his joy in being part of the annual celebration, which attracts numerous attendees to the scenic riverbank.
The event also served as an opportunity for the Chief Minister to extend his greetings to the citizens of Madhya Pradesh and the entire country. Vikram Samvat, named after the legendary King Vikramaditya of Ujjain, who is said to have started the calendar in 57 BC, comprises 12-13 lunar months each solar year. Celebrated under various names across India, such as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, it officially begins with the month of Chaitra in April.
As Madhya Pradesh prepares for the Lok Sabha elections, which are scheduled to occur in four phases starting April 19, the celebration also underscored the importance of participating in the democratic process.