Baba Mahakal Bhasma Aarti draws massive crowds in Ujjain

On July 6 and July 8, 2026, the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, held the traditional Bhasma Aarti of Baba Mahakal. The deity was adorned with garlands of Om, moon, bel‑patra (Ram name leaves), and mogra flowers, and received a Panchamrit ablution of milk, yogurt, ghee, sugar and fruit juices, as well as water marked with the syllable "Hari Om".

Hundreds of devotees gathered throughout the night, lining up early to witness the rites. The ceremony featured drum rolls, conches, and Vedic chanting, and concluded with the distribution of sacred ash (bhasma) applied to the idol. Security personnel were deployed in large numbers, and traditional attire—dhoti‑sola for men and saree for women—was mandatory.

Among the attendees was Tushendra Dev Sahu, son of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sahy, who participated in the Aarti and sought blessings. The event attracted worshippers from across India and abroad, underscoring its reputation as a prominent religious observance.