Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated Shri Mahakal Van Mela 2026 in Ujjain. Forest products, herbs, bamboo and wood crafts and ‘Mahakal Van Prasadam’ are the center of attraction in the fair. The government is promoting tribal development and Ayurveda.
Ujjain. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Wednesday inaugurated ‘Shri Mahakal Van Mela-2026’ organized for the first time in the religious city of Ujjain. On this occasion, he launched Vindhya Herbal’s natural color-Gulaal, Mahakal Smriti Gift Kit and ‘Mahakal Van Prasadam’.
The Chief Minister honored Shri Jagdish Prasad Ahirwar, Forest Guard of Panna district, with a citation. He is a special expert in treatment methods using forest medicines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had praised his efforts to preserve the indigenous knowledge of herbal medicines in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program on January 25.
Market for Forest Products and Tribal Crafts: Ethnic Craft and Bamboo Products Attractions
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the ethnic craft items made of wood and bamboo displayed in the fair are excellent examples of traditional craftsmanship. These products also enhance the beauty of homes.
He appealed to the people of Ujjain to take advantage of the Forest Fair and encourage local craftsmen by adopting the forest wealth and tribal products of the state. The government is taking important initiatives towards providing market to local forest products and artisans through ‘Mahakal Van Mela’. This forest fair organized at Dussehra ground in Ujjain will continue till 16th February.
Biodiversity and Forest Conservation: Special identity of Shri Mahakal Van Mela
The Chief Minister said that forests are the heritage and national wealth of our earth. Their conservation and promotion is the responsibility of all of us. He said that forest fairs are an effective medium to showcase the biological and botanical diversity of the state. Through this, tribal brothers and sisters get an opportunity to sell their forest produce and wooden crafts. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that ‘Shri Mahakal Van Mela’ will soon establish its own identity.
Herbal medicine and Ayurveda: promotion of natural medicine
The herbs and minor non-timber forest products displayed in the fair are useful in Ayurvedic and naturopathy. Herbal medicines are proving effective in the treatment of many diseases. The Chief Minister said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the Union Budget-2026, it has been announced to open three new All India Ayurveda Institutes on the lines of AIIMS. A proposal to establish one of these institutes in Ujjain has been sent to the Central Government.
Expansion of medical and ayurvedic colleges
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the number of medical and Ayurvedic colleges in the state is being increased rapidly. Last year, 8 new Ayurvedic colleges were started in different districts. More momentum will be brought in this direction this year.
Tribal Development and Special Initiatives of Mahakal Van Prasadam
The Chief Minister said that forest fairs like Bhopal and Ujjain should be organized in other parts of the state also, so that the tribal and forest areas can get economic strength. This forest fair organized on the occasion of Mahashivratri and Vikramotsav is a center of special attraction. A sapling has been planted in a pot made of wood in the ‘Mahakal Van Prasadam’ prepared by the Forest Department. This pot will be presented to Lord Mahakal. When returned, it can be planted directly in the ground. The wooden pot will turn into compost and the plant will continue to grow without any hindrance.