Temple authorities said the crowd started gathering late on Tuesday night, with devotees eager to participate in the early morning rituals. The Bhasma Aarti, performed before dawn, was conducted amid heightened security and strict crowd management protocols. Devotees were allowed darshan in a regulated manner to ensure safety and smooth movement inside the temple complex.
According to the district administration, elaborate arrangements were made in anticipation of the New Year rush. Additional police force, home guards, and volunteers were deployed around the temple and adjoining areas. Barricading, separate entry and exit routes, and continuous monitoring through CCTV cameras were put in place to prevent overcrowding. Medical teams and ambulances were stationed nearby to respond to any emergency.
Pilgrims visiting Mahakal on New Year’s Day described the experience as deeply emotional and spiritually fulfilling. Many said beginning the year with Baba Mahakal’s darshan brings peace, strength, and positivity. “Starting the New Year at Mahakal gives us inner strength and hope for the months ahead,” said a devotee who had travelled from Maharashtra with his family.
The temple management committee stated that special cleanliness drives were carried out and drinking water arrangements were strengthened to accommodate the heavy footfall. Prasad distribution counters and shoe stands were also expanded temporarily to handle the increased number of visitors.
Local businesses, including hotels, lodges, and transport services, saw a sharp rise in activity due to the influx of pilgrims. Auto drivers, shopkeepers, and flower sellers reported brisk business, highlighting the economic boost associated with religious tourism during major occasions.
Officials said the crowd is expected to remain high over the next few days, as devotees continue to arrive during the extended holiday period. The administration has appealed to pilgrims to follow guidelines, maintain discipline in queues, and cooperate with security personnel to ensure a safe and peaceful darshan experience.
As chants of “Jai Mahakal” echoed through Ujjain, the city once again reaffirmed its identity as a major spiritual centre, with the New Year beginning on a note of devotion, faith, and collective reverence at the Mahakaleshwar Temple.
