Bhopal- Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that gram panchayats will play a vital role in the preparations for Simhastha 2028, as the massive Hindu religious gathering extends into Ujjain's rural areas. The Chief Minister emphasized the particular importance of Ujjain Janpad panchayat for pilgrim movement and noted that panchayat representatives must carry out their duties with responsibility and sensitivity, given the industrial belt's presence in the region.

With an estimated attendance of over 10 crore people, the state government has already initiated preparations for this duodecennial congregation, launching several key projects in the past two months. The event will feature ceremonial bathing by all 13 Akharas of sants and seers in the Shipra river, requiring extensive arrangements along its banks.

Recently, the Akhil Bharatiya Pujari Mahasangh urged Chief Minister Yadav to restrict VIP presence at the event, citing lessons from the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. The organization's chief, Mahesh Pujari, recommended dividing the Shipra River area into sections and creating separate pathways and ghats for priests from each Akhara, drawing from experiences of the previous Simhastha held from April 22 to May 21, 2016.