Aligned with the vision of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the processions of Lord Shri Mahakaleshwar will be conducted in an even grander and more majestic form this year.
Each procession during the upcoming Shravan–Bhadrapada months will have a distinct theme, with the first procession themed on Vedic Chants. Additionally, cultural evenings will be held daily during the month of Shravan at Shri Mahakal Mahalok, featuring performances by renowned artists.
The first procession of Lord Shri Mahakaleshwar will be taken out on 14th July, second procession on 21st July, third procession on 28th July, fourth procession on 4th August, fifth procession on 11th August and royal procession on 18th August.
Each procession will feature unique religious representations. During First Procession Lord Manmahesh will be in the palaki. During Second procession Lord Chandramouleshwar in the palaki and Lord Manmahesh on elephant, in Third procession Lord Chandramouleshwar in the palaki, Lord Manmahesh on elephant and Lord Shiva Tandava on Garuda Rath.
During Fourth procession Lord Chandramouleshwar in the palaki, Lord Manmahesh on elephant, Lord Shiva Tandava on Garuda Rath and Uma-Mahesh on Nandi Rath. Fifth procession will be same as the fourth with the addition of Holkar State representation on a chariot.
During the Royal Procession, Lord Shri Chandramouleshwar will be seated in the palaki, Lord Manmahesh on the elephant, Lord Shiva Tandava on the Garuda Rath, Uma-Mahesh on the Nandi Rath and the representation of Holkar State on one special Rath. The Lord will also appear in the divine form of Saptadhan Mukharavind on a special Rath.
First procession will feature grand Vedic recitations
As per Chief Minister Dr. Yadav’s directives, each procession will include special arrangements and unique themes. The first procession, themed Vedic Chants, will feature grand Vedic recitations by students of Ramghat and Datt Akhara. Tribal groups will also present captivating performances along the procession route.
Second procession will showcase Indian folk dances
The second procession will showcase Indian folk dances, including Matki Dance (Madhya Pradesh), Gangaur Dance (Rajasthan), Bihu Dance (Assam), Bhavai Dance (Gujarat) and Puliyattam/Tiger Dance (Karnataka). These all will be performed at Ramghat.
Third procession will feature performances
The third procession will feature performances by the police band, army band, home guards, and private bands.
Fourth procession will have a tourism theme
The fourth procession will have a tourism theme and include tableaux of Mandu Fort, Sanchi Stupa, Khajuraho Shiva Temples, Devi Ahilya Fort (Maheshwar), Bhimbetka, Gwalior Fort, Udayagiri Caves, Vidisha Bagh Caves, and Dhar.
Fifth procession will follow a religious theme
The fifth procession will follow a religious theme, including tableaux of Shri Krishna Pathey and major pilgrimage sites and temples of the state. Tribal dances from various districts will also be showcased. The Royal Procession will feature over 70 devotional singing groups (Bhajan Mandalis) offering musical tributes.
Artists Will Present Captivating Performances During Shravan Festival
As in previous years, the Shravan Festival will be organised every Saturday at 7 PM at the auditorium of Triveni Art and Archaeology Museum. Additionally, cultural programs will be held every evening during Shravan at Shri Mahakal Mahalok. Apart from regular events, from July 13 to August 16, cultural evenings titled "Shri Mahakaleshwar Cultural Evenings" will be organised on 23 selected days (excluding processional days, Nag Panchami and August 15). These events will take place from 6 PM to 8 PM near the statue of the Saptarishis in Shri Mahakal Mahalok. A total of 47 artist groups from across India will perform.
To assist devotees, Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee will arrange drinking water every 200 meters along the procession route. PA systems and surveillance cameras will also be installed for public convenience and safety.