Six Mahakal processions to be held from Aug 3 on traditional route

Times News NetworkUjjain: The annual Shravan-Bhadon processions of Lord Mahakaleshwar will begin on Aug 3 with all six processions this year following the traditional route, Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee decided at a meeting on Sunday.The first four processions will be taken out during Shravan month on Aug 3, 10, 17 and 24, while the fifth procession will be held on August 31. The final royal (Shahi) procession will be taken out on Sept 7 during the Bhadon month.Officials said arrangements would be made to ensure better crowd management and smoother darshan for the large number of devotees expected during the annual processions.Temple administrator said that special arrangements would also be in place for the Bhasma Aarti during the festive period. From July 30 to Sept7, the temple doors will open at 3 am every day, while on Mondays they will open at 2.30 am. The Bhasma Aarti will be held from 3 am to 5 am daily and from 2.30 am to 4.30 am on Mondays. The temple's regular schedulewill resume from Sept8.The annual Shravan processions of Lord Mahakal attract lakhs of devotees from across the country and are among the biggest religious events in Madhya Pradesh.