The state capital and surrounding regions witnessed grand Mahashivratri celebrations on Wednesday, with temples adorned with flowers, massive processions filling the streets, and cultural performances uniting thousands of devotees in reverence of Lord Shiva.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan performed abhishek at Badwale Mahadev Temple and joined the shobha yatra, which featured religious tableaux and damru performances. He emphasized Shiva’s inclusivity, saying, "Lord Shiva embraces even those whom the world rejects, showering His grace on all."

At the venue, the former chief minister was joined by Bhopal parliamentarian Alok Sharma, State Minister for Cooperation and Narela legislator Vishwas Kailash Sarang, Mayor Malti Rai, and a host of public representatives and distinguished citizens.

At Bhojpur Temple, a 7.5-foot Shiva Lingam was decorated with flowers as thousands of devotees gathered to participate in the three-day Mahadev Festival (Feb 26–28). The festival, organised by the state government and the Department of Culture, includes folk dances, devotional music, and classical performances.

In Bairagarh, the Sankat Mochan Khedapati Hanuman Temple continued its 21-year-old Mahashivratri tradition. The grand Shiva procession included Ujjain’s Damru Party, elephants, horses, deities' tableaux, and a mass community feast, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness and devotion.

In Bawadia Kalan, teenagers (aged 15–19) continued their self-funded Shiva procession tradition, started five years ago. Their dedication highlights the deep devotion of youth, proving that faith doesn’t require wealth—only sincerity and love for Lord Shiva. At the Temple of Sambodhi, Vedanta Saint Lal Sai performed a Rudrabhishek and havan, urging the youth to abandon addictions and embrace spirituality. His devotional songs and teachings emphasized that Mahashivratri is a time for self-realisation and inner transformation.