The official opening ceremonies of the Simhasth Kumbha Mela in Ujjain, began on 18 April with a procession by Mahamandaleshwars from the Maha Nirvani Akhara.

The holy occasion of Kumbha Mela is a grand festival which gives the opportunity for saints, gurus and leaders of spiritual lineages, to meet together, and also share their darshan (divine presence) with devotees and spiritual seekers from all over India and around the world.

The official opening of the Simhasth Kumbha Mela in Ujjain began with a large and colourful formal procession by Mahamandaleshwars from the Maha Nirvani Akhara (spiritual monastic order). These esteemed spiritual leaders rode in beautifully decorated chariots pulled by tractors, accompanied by a large group of devotees.

Yoga in Daily Life had three such chariots under the name of Sri Alakhpuriji Siddha Peeth Parampara, which were in procession led by Nirvan Pithadishwar Acharya Mahamadaleshwar Vishokanandji, head of the Maha Nirvani Akhara.

Vishwaguruji Mahamandaleshwar Swami Maheshwarananda was the first of the Sri Alakhpuriji Siddha Peeth Parampara chariots...

followed by MM Swami Gyaneshwar Puri Ji and MM Swami Vivek Puri Ji.

As the procession made its way through the streets of Ujjain, with much chanting and singing and celebration, hundreds of thousands of people gathered along the roadside and from the windows and doorways of shops and homes, in order to greet and receive blessings from these living saints and Gurus. Faces were filled with joy in experiencing this very special occasion, which takes place just once in 12 years in this location.

Along with sharing their smiles and showering the Mahamandaleshwars with flowers, the local people also shared their generosity by handing out refreshments to the devotees in the procession, recognising that it was a long walk of several hours in the hot summer sun. Their kindness was much appreciated by all, as was the sight of their humble joy in cheering and paying respects to the glory of God and Gurudev.