This is uncharted territory for Ujjain, renowned for its Mahakal Temple, as it hosts its first forest fair. The event spotlights non-wood forest products gathered by state tribals, promoting their preservation, value addition, and market access. Key launches include ‘Mahakal Van Prasad’ and the ‘Mahakal Smriti Upahar’ from the MFP Park.

Stallholders from NTFP collectors, Van Dhan centers, cooperatives, traders, and Ayurvedic firms will converge to exhibit and trade. The fair doubles as a community hub with free Ayurvedic OPDs, cultural shows, buyer-seller conferences, and authentic tribal cuisine.

Accessibility is prioritized: children’s entertainment zones, wheelchairs and golf carts for the elderly, patient seating, hydration stations, and photo ops. Standout features are a life-size cheetah family model, towering dinosaur replica, shuttle buses from the temple, and inclusive facilities ensuring everyone enjoys the festivities.

CM Yadav will present commendation certificates to exemplary forest officials, including DFOs, Panna South union’s MD, and a dedicated guard. The mela exemplifies how Madhya Pradesh is weaving economic growth with ecological stewardship, benefiting forest dwellers directly.