Ujjain seeing strong growth in business, trade & religious tourism: CM

Indore/Ujjain: Chief minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday said that Ujjain was witnessing a strong phase of growth in business, trade and religious tourism, marked by rising commercial activity and increasing footfall at Mahakal Jyotirlinga."Incredible growth is being seen in business, trade and religious tourist inflow. Across the country, Mahakal Jyotirlinga is the only place where devotees can have darshan in less than half-an-hour and return joyfully," Yadav said while inaugurating the 3rd edition of Vikram Trade Fair in Ujjain."This is the moment Ujjaini and Avantika waited for. On one hand, there is a flood of devotion for Baba Mahakal, and on the other, commercial activities are expanding. For thousands of years, Avantika was a centre of trade, commerce, religion and education, and we aim to re-establish it in this form," he said.Highlighting the fair's economic impact, Yadav said municipal revenue from stall allocations rose from about Rs 3.5 crore last year to around Rs 4.10 crore this year.The chief minister also formally inaugurated Vikramotsav 2026, during which exhibitions, kalash yatra, cultural programmes, musical evenings and the Vikram Trade Fair will be organised.The trade fair, running daily from 11 am at Engineering College campus, features 139 4-wheeler stalls, 36 2-wheeler stalls, 7 banking counters and 2 car-decoration stalls. The event includes automobile sales, electronics, bank finance facilities, regional art and craft displays, traditional handicrafts, handloom and textiles, local cuisine and other attractions aimed at residents and tourists.Yadav announced that Vikramotsav 2026 has now assumed an international character. He said a national-level honour carrying a prize of Rs 21 lakh will be instituted this year, along with plans to establish an international Vikram Award of Rs 1 crore 1 lakh and three state-level honours of Rs 5 lakh each.A 50% discount on road tax is being offered on automobile purchases during the fair. Officials said vehicle sales at the event rose steadily, from 23,705 units in 2024 to 36,225 units in 2025, reflecting growing consumer participation.