CM Yadav joins Rangpanchami celebrations in Ujjain

Ujjain: Chief minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday joined thousands of residents in Ujjain to celebrate Rangpanchami, participated in traditional Gair procession and played Holi with flower petals at Tower Chowk.The day began with chief minister visiting Mahakaleshwar Temple, where he offered prayers and performed puja and abhishek of Lord Mahakal, seeking peace and prosperity for the country and the state.Yadav then participated in Mahakaleshwar Dhwaj Chal Samaroh — also known as Shri Veerabhadra Dhwaj Chal Samaroh — in the temple's Sabha Mandap, where the flags of Lord Veerabhadra and Lord Mahakal, along with weapons, were worshipped. He carried the flag up to the temple's kund premises.Speaking about the tradition, Yadav said that in ancient Avantika, during the reign of Emperor Vikramaditya, soldiers traditionally marched from their cantonments carrying victory flags and emblems in a procession through the city. "Over time, this procession came to be called Gair. This ancient tradition continues to this day and is a symbol of our cultural pride," he said.The CM also directed Collector Singh to provide a grant of Rs 1.25 lakh each to preserve and sustain traditional Gair processions that are held in Ujjain.Later, the chief minister joined Gair procession taken out from Sindhi Colony before making his way to Tower Chowk, where he showered rose petals on the gathered crowd from the stage. Thousands of residents joined in the festivities, greeting him warmly.