Udaipur, India The spiritual city of Udaipur is gearing up for the grand 9th Shri Shyam Mahotsav, set to take place from May 8 to May 10, 2025, organized by the Shri Khatu Shyam Mitra Mandal Trust. In a first-of-its-kind move, the Trust has announced that every devotee will be treated as a VIP, breaking traditional norms of segmented darshan privileges.

One of the major highlights of this year’s Shyam Mahotsav is the abolition of the VIP culture. Organizers Puneet Agarwal and Krishnakant Agarwal shared that every devotee will receive equal respect, with each being welcomed with an “uparna” (shawl) during the sacred jyot ritual.

To ensure a seamless spiritual experience, all ritualistic preparations—including hand washing, kalawa (sacred thread) tying, and tilak—will be completed before devotees reach the main darbar (altar), allowing for direct and unhurried participation in the jyot offering.

The festivities begin on May 8 with a vibrant Nishan Yatra (flag procession), starting at 6 PM from the Fateh School Ground. The procession will travel through Udaipur’s streets with 1,100 Shyam devotees, marking the first-ever city tour of Baba Khatu Shyam’s idol in Udaipur.

Participation in the Nishan Yatra requires a registration fee of ₹1,100, which includes a flag and prasad packet for all registered devotees. This event promises to be a blend of spiritual fervor and visual spectacle.

On May 9, the festival will feature the Mehendi Rasam, where women will apply henna in the name of Baba Shyam, adding a festive and devotional touch to the event.

The main attraction of the Mahotsav takes place on May 10, with the grand Shri Shyam Kirtan, beginning at 7:15 PM and continuing till divine will. Notable devotional artists like Nandu Bhaiya (Vrindavan), Naresh Saini (Gurugram), Bantu Bhaiya (Najafgarh), Mahavir Aggarwal Vasu, and Mayur Rastogi (Delhi) will perform. A musical group led by Bundu Bhai from Jaipur will accompany the event.

Spiritual leaders such as Guru Maa Usha Baiji, Guru Shri Umanandji, and Pandit Pankaj Sharma from Chhota Khatu Dham, Najafgarh, will grace the celebration, offering spiritual guidance and blessings.