Key Highlights
- Collector to begin Ujjain’s traditional Nagar Puja with liquor offering.
- Ritual to cover 40+ temples across a 27 km route on Maha Ashtami.
- Historic tradition dates back to Emperor Vikramaditya’s era.
Ujjain will witness its centuries-old Nagar Puja on Maha Ashtami (September 30) during the Sharadiya Navratri. The ritual is performed for the city’s peace, prosperity, and protection.
How the Ritual Begins
At 8 am, Collector Roshan Kumar Singh will commence the ceremony at Choubis Khamba Mata Temple by offering liquor (madira) to Mahamaya and Mahalaya Mata.
After this, officials and kotwars (village guards), accompanied by traditional drums, will set off to perform rituals at more than 40 Devi-Bhairav temples across the city.
The unique ritual includes pouring liquor along a 27 km route, accompanied by offerings such as puri, bhajiya, soaked wheat, and chana ghughri. Locals believe this ritual satisfies restless spirits and blesses the city with prosperity.
A Tradition from Vikramaditya’s Time
The practice of Nagar Puja is said to have begun during Emperor Vikramaditya’s reign. It continued during the princely state era and is now conducted under government supervision after Independence.
This year, due to a change in the lunar calendar (tithi vriddhi), Maha Ashtami will be celebrated on September 30.
Other Celebrations in Ujjain
- Harsiddhi Temple: At noon, a shastri pooja will be performed by Collector Singh and SP Pradeep Sharma with their spouses. Unlike the Nagar Puja, this is a satvik ritual—no liquor offering is made here.
- Gadkalika Temple: At midnight, a grand maha aarti will be held with special adornment of the goddess, followed by a community feast (bhandara) marking the conclusion of Navratri rituals.
