Mahanatya Samrat Vikramaditya staged at Varanasi

The Mahanatya Samrat Vikramaditya in Varanasi: what happened?

Kashi and Ujjain are two old centres of Shaiva faith and of Indian time-reckoning. A grand stage play on Emperor Vikramaditya, first shown on the bank of the Ganga, was used to tie the two cities together. The UP CM called it a step under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

• The CMs of UP and MP opened the three-day “Mahanatya Samrat Vikramaditya” at BLW ground, Varanasi, under Vikramotsav-2026. [UP CM press note]
• The MP CM gifted a 700 kg Vikramaditya Vedic clock, to be installed at Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple. [UP CM press note]

What did the play show?

• The story of Vikramaditya from birth to coronation, the tale of Vikram and Betal, and the rise of Sanatan Dharma.
• Elephants, horses, chariots, palanquins, battle scenes, a light show and glimpses of the Bhasma Aarti of Mahakal.
• The UP CM described Vikramaditya as a byword for policy, scripture and justice.

What links Kashi, Ujjain and Chunar?

• Kashi is the land of the panchang and Ujjain the land of kaalganana (time-reckoning); Indian time-reckoning follows the Vikram Samvat.
• The CM said Bhartrihari, Vikramaditya’s brother, was initiated at Ujjain but did his sadhana at Chunar.
• The UP government is carrying forward restoration and beautification of Chunar Fort.
• The MP CM said MP and UP are working together on tourism and culture, and on the Betwa river linking work.

Why does the Mahanatya Samrat Vikramaditya in Varanasi matter?

• Culture: Inter-state cultural exchange between UP and MP.
• Tourism: Links Varanasi, Chunar and Ujjain as heritage destinations.

What can Prelims ask on the Mahanatya Samrat Vikramaditya in Varanasi?

• Mahanatya Samrat Vikramaditya: opened 3 April 2026 at BLW ground, Varanasi, under Vikramotsav-2026.
• Chunar Fort is linked with Bhartrihari; UP is restoring it.
• Indian time-reckoning follows the Vikram Samvat.