CM’s son and daughter-in-law begin Narmada Parikrama:Journey started from Omkareshwar, to conclude in 15 days, just weeks after their marriage

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s younger son Dr. Abhimanyu Yadav, along with his wife, Dr Ishita, has commenced a spiritual journey along the banks of the Narmada River. The couple began their Narmada Parikrama from Omkareshwar on Monday, December 22. The newlyweds had tied the knot last month on November 30, during a mass wedding ceremony held in Ujjain. Just 21 days after their wedding, they set out on this sacred pilgrimage. Along with Dr Abhimanyu and Dr Ishita, the journey includes their elder sister, Dr Akanksha Yadav, her husband, and their elder brother, Vaibhav Yadav, with his wife. 15-day pilgrimage route The Narmada Parikrama, which began from Omkareshwar, is expected to be completed in approximately 15 days. The route will cover Maheshwar, Barwani, Rajpipla, Garudeshwar (in the Statue of Unity region), Bharuch, and finally reach the Narmada Sagar Sangam at the Gulf of Khambhat. QA: Insights from Dr Abhimanyu Q: What inspired you to undertake the Narmada Parikrama, and when did the journey start? Dr. Abhimanyu: “The journey began on the Tritiya tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Paush, which corresponds to 22 December. We have embarked on this pilgrimage seeking the blessings of Maa Narmada, hoping for her guidance in completing it successfully.” Q: How long will the pilgrimage last? Dr. Abhimanyu: “We expect the pilgrimage to be completed in about 15 days, with Maa’s blessings. However, before setting out, we did not decide on a fixed duration. This is a spiritual journey, and everything is left to faith and devotion.” Q: Why did you decide to undertake this pilgrimage so soon after your wedding? Dr. Abhimanyu: “I grew up in Ujjain, the land of Mahakal and Maa Kshipra, where I had the opportunity to connect with Sanatan Dharma. Our family has always encouraged spiritual practices. As newlyweds, the Narmada’s sacred banks seemed like the perfect place to begin this journey. This pilgrimage is not just an idea but a way to seek blessings and immerse ourselves in the essence of Sanatan Dharma for a few days.” Q: The Parikrama is usually on foot and time-consuming. How are you managing it? Dr. Abhimanyu: “That is correct. Currently, we are students, and our studies will resume next month, so a full-foot journey isn’t feasible. However, we could not miss any opportunity to visit Maa Narmada and the surrounding sacred sites. Our heartfelt desire was to seek her blessings immediately after marriage.” Q: You come from a political family and are a doctor by profession. What message do you have for the youth regarding religion and culture? Dr. Abhimanyu: “I don’t intend to preach but wish to share my thoughts. Serving the nation is our highest duty. Sanatan culture and traditions inspire and guide us. Everyone has a role – doctors serve patients, journalists raise awareness – but along with professional responsibilities, we should also embrace spiritual practices through pilgrimages and parikramas. It is heartening to see today’s youth being aware of their cultural and spiritual roots.” Baba Ramdev recited mantras at CM’s son’s wedding The wedding of Dr Abhimanyu and Dr Ishita took place on 30 November at Sanwarkhedi, Ujjain, as part of a mass wedding ceremony attended by 22 couples. During the ceremony, Baba Ramdev chanted Mantras for the couple during the Varmala rituals. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Governor Mangubhai Patel, Minister Tulsi Silawat, Baba Bageshwar Dham Chief Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, and the head of Akhada Parishad, Ravindra Puri.