Simhastha Kumbh Mela begins in Ujjain: All that you should know

Bhopal: The much-awaited Simhastha Kumbh Mela began in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on Friday.

Here are some of the things you should know:

• Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious congregation of Hindus
• Over five crore people including seers are expected to visit the holy city of Ujjain during Kumbh Mela
• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the Kumbh will be a "Green Simhastha"
• No VVIP or VIP would visit Ujjain during the 'Shahi Snan' (royal bath) in Kshipra river, so that the event could be held without any disturbance
• The first 'Shahi Snan' is slated for Friday (today), while another is scheduled on May 21.
• Huge security and logistical arrangements have been put in place for the Kumbh
• 22,000 security personnel, including state policemen, personnel from central forces and other departments, will take care of the security at the Kumbh
• Ujjain is one of the 12 'jyotirlingas' and the abode of Lord Mahakaleshwar
• As per convention, all 13 'akharas' of seers took out a procession called 'Peshwai' in Ujjain on the eve of the main fair on Thursday
• This time eunuchs have also set up their 'akhara' in the fair area
• A three-day international philosophic convention will be held during the Kumbh Mela which will be inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on May 12
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the concluding function of the convention on May 14
• A declaration would be released in the end on issues like global warming, environment and pollution, value-based life, science and spiritualism, welfare of human being through religion, organic farming, cleanliness and women empowerment
• Heads of state including that of Sri Lanka and Nepal will also attend the Mela