- Says Vijay Dhwaj Samarohs were celebrated as festivals in Avantika during Vikramaditya Era
Bhopal: Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that the traditional ‘Ger’ procession of Ujjain reflects the rich cultural heritage of the ancient city of Avantika. Speaking during the Rang Panchami celebrations, he said that during the reign of Vikramaditya, soldiers would celebrate festivals by taking out processions from their military camps carrying victory flags and symbols across the city. Over time, this practice evolved into the famous ‘Ger’ tradition, which continues to be celebrated with great enthusiasm today.
Earlier in the morning, the Chief Minister visited the sacred Mahakaleshwar Temple and performed poojan and abhishek of Mahakal. After the worship, he participated in ceremonial rituals at the temple’s Sabha Mandap, where the flag of Veerbhadra, the Mahakal flag and traditional weapons were worshipped according to rituals as part of the Rang Panchami flag procession.
Carrying the sacred flag in his hands, the Chief Minister then proceeded to the temple’s Kund premises, marking the beginning of the traditional procession. He prayed for the prosperity and well-being of the nation and the state during the rituals held in the sanctum sanctorum.
To support the continuation of the historic ‘Ger’ processions in Ujjain, Dr. Yadav directed the district administration to provide financial assistance of Rs 1.25 lakh for the event.
During the ceremony in the temple’s Nandi Hall, priests recited Swasti Vachan, while the Chief Minister meditated before Lord Mahakal. District Collector Roshan Kumar Singh also honoured the Chief Minister with an angavastra, temple prasad and a commemorative memento.
