Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is set to launch a vibrant five-day forest exhibition, ‘Mahakal Van Mela,’ in the holy city of Ujjain starting February 11. Organized by the forest department at Sethi Nagar’s Dasahara Maidan, the event under the banner ‘Prosperous Forests, Happy People’ runs through February 16 and introduces Ujjain to its first such initiative.
Beyond the ribbon-cutting, Yadav will initiate ‘Mahakal Van Prasad’ and unveil ‘Mahakal Smriti Upahar’ produced at the state’s Minor Forest Produce facility. The focus is on non-timber forest produce – from mahua to medicinal herbs – gathered by tribal communities, with emphasis on sustainable harvesting, processing, and sales.
Expect a bustling marketplace with participants from collector groups, cooperatives, Van Dhan Kendras, merchants, and herbal industry leaders. Parallel activities include trade meets, complimentary traditional health check-ups, lively cultural programs, and regional delicacies.
Family-oriented amenities abound: play areas for kids, mobility aids like wheelchairs and carts, rest zones, water dispensers, and insta-worthy selfie points. Unique draws comprise a cheetah habitat display, gigantic dinosaur figure, special arrangements for hospital visitors, free transport from Mahakal Temple, and senior-friendly services.
The CM’s visit includes accolades for top performers – regional DFOs, Panna South District Union’s head, and an outstanding forest protector. This mela is more than an event; it’s a testament to Madhya Pradesh’s vision for thriving forests and empowered locals, harmonizing tradition with progress.