Ujjain to Get Modern Tent City for Simhastha 2028, State Looks to Boost Religious Tourism

The announcement was made during the Chief Minister’s visit to the cultural festival in the Rann of Kutch, where he reviewed the tent city arrangements, tourist amenities and overall event management. He noted that regions once considered barren or economically limited have witnessed significant transformation through planned tourism initiatives, creating employment and new livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Dr Yadav said Ujjain witnesses a massive influx of devotees from across India and abroad during Simhastha, making planned accommodation and civic facilities essential. A well-designed tent city, he said, would help address lodging shortages, ensure better crowd management, and enhance safety and sanitation standards during the event. The proposed facilities are expected to include modern temporary housing, medical services, food courts, security systems and basic infrastructure aligned with international standards.

Highlighting the broader vision, the Chief Minister indicated that similar tent city models could be explored at other major tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh in the future. The objective, he said, is to integrate tourism development with local employment generation, benefiting artisans, farmers and small businesses.

Referring to the Rann Utsav’s global appeal, Dr Yadav said the festival has emerged as a showcase of India’s cultural diversity, with folk performances, traditional handicrafts and regional cuisine attracting international visitors. Such events, he added, not only promote tourism but also help preserve and promote traditional art forms and cultural heritage.

During the visit, the Chief Minister also mentioned Smriti Van in Bhuj, a memorial dedicated to victims of natural disasters. He described it as a symbol of collective memory and social responsibility. On similar lines, he said the state government is considering developing a dedicated museum in Bhopal to commemorate victims of a major industrial tragedy, aimed at preserving historical lessons for future generations.

According to government sources, preliminary coordination among departments has begun for Simhastha 2028 preparations. Key focus areas include infrastructure development, traffic management, sanitation, accommodation and public safety. Officials believe that if the tent city and allied tourism facilities are developed in a planned manner, Simhastha 2028 could significantly boost Madhya Pradesh’s religious tourism profile while delivering economic and cultural benefits to the state.