Ujjain’s ancient Nagar Puja, a tradition linked to Emperor Vikramaditya, began at 8 am on Monday as Mahashtami of Sharadiya Navratri coincided with a rare extended tithi. The State-organised ritual was led by Ujjain Collector Roshan Kumar Singh and Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma at the historic 24-Khamba Temple. The officers performed puja of Goddesses Mahamaya and Mahalaya with full Vedic rites, offered liquor as bhog as per custom, and performed the Maha Aarti before flagging off the procession. The Nagar Puja Yatra will cover nearly 27 kilometres across the city, visiting about 40 major Devi and Bhairav temples including Kal Bhairav, Bhukhi Mata, Chamunda Mata and Gadkalika. The most striking custom is the continuous stream of liquor poured from an earthen pot throughout the route. Along with the liquor trail, the Government Kotwar team offers bhajiya, puri, ghughri made of soaked wheat and gram, chunari and solah shringar at various shrines. Believed to be 2,100 years old and later continued during the Scindia rule, the Nagar Puja is performed for the city’s prosperity and protection from natural calamities. It uniquely blends Tamasic and Sattvik worship, with offerings made to pacify unsatisfied spirits. The yatra, which started, will conclude at Handi Phod Bhairav Temple on Ankapata Marg.