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Time of India
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gore: Most traders support Pandharpur corridor plan
Kolhapur: Solapur's guardian minister, Jaykumar Gore, has stated that around 85% of traders operating around Pandharpur's Vitthal-Rukmini temple have expressed support for the temple corridor development plan. Speaking during a cleanliness drive held on Sunday in the temple town, Gore said, "The chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis , aims to develop Pandharpur through corridor development. The lakhs of devotees arriving should get facilities, and they can get darshan hassle-free." He added, "We are in discussion with the traders to implement the project. Around 80-85% of the traders support the corridor development plan. We are also discussing with the local residents. I can assure you that without taking all stakeholders into confidence, we will not start corridor development work. We are also sure that all of them will give permission to start the work." Thousands of locals joined the cleanliness campaign, ahead of the expected influx of lakhs of devotees on Ashadi Ekadashi in the first week of next month. Already, hundreds of Dindis (pilgrim groups) have begun their journey toward Pandharpur from across Maharashtra. However, a group of local traders recently held a vote on the development plan. They claim that the majority of participants objected to the proposal, fearing eviction and loss of livelihood. Towards the end of March this year, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that his govt has given the go-ahead to the Solapur district administration for the Pandharpur corridor plan. He mentioned that the work would begin in 3 months. Bicycle Dindi sends out message of fitness In another event, Minister of State for Youth Raksha Khadse flagged off the "Bicycle Dindi", which saw participation from over 4,000 cyclists hailing from 80 towns and cities across Maharashtra. All the cyclists undertook a Nagar Pradakshina (city circumambulation) for the event. Khadse said, "The purpose behind Bicycle Dindi was to give the message of a healthy mind and healthy body."
India Gazette
22-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Fit India Sundays on Cycle Pandharpur Edition 2025 sees over 5000 cyclists
Pandharpur, (Maharashtra) [India] June 22 (ANI): In a remarkable fusion of spiritual devotion, physical fitness, and environmental consciousness, the 4th Akhil Maharashtra Pandharpur Cycle Wari Sammelan - 2025 was celebrated with great fervour and unity, according to a release from Sai Media. This mega event of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was jointly organised by the Sports Authority of India, Regional Centre - Mumbai, and the Pandharpur Cycle Wari Sangh. Over 5000 cyclists representing more than 90 cycling clubs from across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya pradesh participated in the event. These dedicated cyclists undertook a journey spanning 400 to 450 kilometres, starting 3-4 days in advance, to reach the holy town of Pandharpur, Solapur district in Maharashtra. They actively took part in the spiritually significant Nagar Pradakshina and the energetic Ringan Sohala, showcasing exemplary determination, devotion, and endurance. The event was honoured by the esteemed presence of several dignitaries like Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State for youth affairs and Sports J B Gore, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Govt of Maharashtra. Among others were Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil, MP, Prashant Paricharak, Member of Legislative Council, Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil, Member of Legislative Council, Pandurang Chate, IRS, Regional Director, Sports Authority of India, RC Mumbai & Amit Samarth, Renowned Endurance Cyclist & 19-time Ironman, Nagpur The Railway Ground, Pandharpur, was transformed into a vibrant centre of energy and inspiration under the Fit India - Sundays on Cycle banner. The event conveyed a powerful message promoting sustainable transport, community health, and spiritual unity, reinforcing that cycling is not just a sport but a way of life aligned with a healthier and greener India. Echoing the spirit of the Fit India Movement, the event promoted the national fitness mantra: 'Fitness Ka Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz' , encouraging every citizen to embrace physical activity as a daily habit and contribute to building a fitter, environmentally conscious nation. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela to go on for over 21 months
MUMBAI: The Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar will go on for over 21 months between October 2026 and July 2028, as per the schedule announced after a review meeting chaired by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in Nashik on Sunday. The government has floated bids for infrastructure works of over ₹4,000 crore while more works of ₹2,000 crore are in the pipeline for the once-in-12-years religious festival to be held in Nashik. The Mela will begin on October 21, 2026 with the Dhwajarohan or flag hoisting at Trimbakeshwar as well as Ramkund and Panchvati in Nashik. The Nagar Pradakshina will be held at Nashik on July 29, 2027, while the first Amrut Snaan will be held on August 2, 2027. The second Amrut Snaan will be held on August 31, 2027, while the third and last one will be held on September 11, 2027 in Nashik and September 12, 2027 in Trimbakeshwar. The announcement of the dates was done after the meeting chaired by the CM and attended by key government officials, key seers and mahants of 13 akharas. 'We have discussed the steps to be taken for the preparation of the grand event and apprised the representatives of akharas, sadhus and sants and Purohit Sanghs,' said Fadnavis. 'Bids worth ₹4,000 crore for infrastructure facilities have already floated, while more bids worth ₹2,000 are in the last leg of the process. The works include cleaning the Godavari, setting up sewage treatment plants, water purification and release of more water among others. We have earmarked land for the Sadhugram and it will soon be acquired.' The CM said that since the mela was happening for a prolonged period, crowd management would be easier for the administration. 'Kushavart in Trimbakeshwar has a narrow space so we have chalked out alternative plans to avoid a stampede-like situation,' he said. According to officials from the Nashik collectorate, the area availability was a constraint, as the Kumbh in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar are held in the heart of the city unlike Prayagraj, Ujjain or Haridwar. 'Against an area of over 10,000 acres available in Prayagraj, our Sadhugram is on just 350 acres while the Ramkund where the Amrut Snaan happens is just a few hundred metres,' said an official. 'Kushawart Kund (the sacred pond considered the symbolic origin of Godavari river near the Trimbakeshwar temple) is 75x75 ft and needs an alternative. The representatives of the Akharas have agreed to prepare an alternative ghat of over 1.5 km on the banks of the Godavari in Trimbakeshwar to avoid any untoward incident at Kushawart. The congested area in which the Kumbh is held is a major challenge for the administration.' Even as preparations for the Sinhastha are in full swing, the Mahayuti government has not yet announced the name of the Nashik guardian minister, given the tussle among the three ruling parties for the post. Fadnavis said that the issue should not be politicised. 'We have appointed water resources minister (BJP leader) Girish Mahajan as Kumbh minister, an authority has been announced to oversee the preparations and appointments to it will soon be finalised,' he said. 'There are other ministers like Dada Bhuse (Shiv Sena) and Chhagan Bhujbal (NCP) to work with the Kumbh minister. The Mela is a cultural and religious event and should not be linked with political appointments.' The government, on the suggestion of Mahant Rajendradas Maharaj, admitted to renaming Shahi Snaan as Amrut Snaan, the way it was done during the recently concluded Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. 'We will ensure that the Simhastha Kumbh Mela is held in a well-planned manner and be memorable,' said Fadnavis.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela to begin on October 31, 2026
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday held a meeting with the chiefs 13 main akhadas (monastic orders) and representatives of the Purohit Sangh to discuss the preparations for the upcoming Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela to begin on October 31, 2026, with a traditional flag hoisting at Trimbakeshwar and Ramkund in Nashik. On July 29, 2027, 'Nagar Pradakshina' (a procession carrying the idol around the city in a clockwise direction) will be held at Nashik. The first 'Amrut Snan' (ritual dip) in the Godavari river will happen on August 2, 2027, the second one will take place on August 31, 2027, the third in Nashik on September 11, 2027, and fourth one on September 12, 2027, at Trimbakeshwar. The Simhastha Kumbh Mela held once in 12 years, will wind up on July 24, 2028. Speaking to journalists after the meeting with the priests and temple heads in Nashik, Mr. Fadnavis said that this will the world's biggest event and the arrangements will amaze everyone around the world. 'We have issued tenders of works costing ₹ 4,000 crore and another tender for work costing ₹ 2,000 crore will also be issued soon. A development plan of ₹681 crores for Choundi, the birthplace of Ahilyadevi Holkar is also announced today. We are in the process of preserving the ghats constructed by her,' the CM said. Speaking about the meeting, the CM said, 'Today we discussed on the progress of the ongoing work on the sewage treatment plant, cleaning of Godavari river and land acquisition for 'Sadhugram'. To make sure there is no stampede-like-situation, we have announced the 'Amrut Snan' dated already and kepts the program running on a long stretch so that no devotee has to rush for special holy bath. We are working in advance to make sure every experience at Simhastha Kumbh Mela becomes a memorable one with safety of people and keeping the environment sacred and pute for every person who attends it.' The State government has also accepted suggestions from Mahant Rajendradas Maharaj during the meeting that 'Shahi Snan' should be called 'Amrut Snan' like it was done in the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh. 'With the kind of preparations, we are making to turn into a magnificent and memorable event, the world will be left awestruck looking at our ancient culture. We are working as per the feedback of the akharas, sadhus and mahants to provide the best possible amenities. Unlike 2015 Kumbh when there was little time to prepare, this time we have ample time on our hands to do a thorough preparation. Our priority is also to maintain the purity of Godavari river and for that we have planned for an uninterrupted river flow that will ensure clean water during and after the event,' the CM added. On quality infrastructure, the CM said a concrete road network is under progress across Nashik and Trimbakeshwar with crowd management plans at places like Kushavarta in Trimbakeshwar. Nashik will host a total of 44 auspicious bathing events, and Trimbakeshwar will host 53, including auspicious holy baths on Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya, Vaidhriti, and Vyatipata yogas.
Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela will start from Oct 2026
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela at Nashik will commence from October 31, 2026. The religious event in the pilgrimage temple town Trimbakeshwar in district Nashik will be of longer duration concluding on July 28, 2028. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday held a meeting with religious/ spiritual leaders/ groups on plans and preparations for the kumbh mela. Talking to the media after the meeting in Nashik, Fadnavis said, 'We are making elaborate plans and ensuring there is no stampede. All the necessary infrastructure and amenities including giving adequate space and opportunity to devotees for holy bath on important days are being well planned and considered. The kumbh mela is a very sacrosanct and we want to make it on a grand scale keeping pilgrims' comforts.' The state government has already issued tenders worth Rs 4000 crore for preparations. In addition Rs 2000 crore more will be issued, he revealed. As part of the preparations, Fadnavis said they discussed keeping Godavari's riverbanks clean and to ensure adequate flow of water, along with other civic issues ,like sewage treatment plants, transportation facilities, crowd management, etc. The Kumbh Mela will go on for a longer duration which will help in better crowd dispersal and management. Given the space restrictions in some of the river banks during important dates, where devotees throng for holy dip, Fadnavis said they would take all measures to avoid stampedes. The Simhastha Kumbh Mela will begin on October 31, 2026 with 'Dhwajarohan' (flag hoisting) at Trimbakeshwar as well as Ramkund and Panchvati and will be underway till July 24, 2028. On July 29, 2027, 'Nagar Pradakshina' will be held at Nashik, while the first 'Amrut Snan' will be held on August 2, 2027. The second Amrut Snan will be held on August 31, 2027 and the third and the last one will be held in Nashik on September 11, 2027 and on September 12, 2027 at Trimbakeshwar. The flag will be taken down on July 24, 2028, which will mark the conclusion of Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is held once in 12 years. Fadnavis said the meeting was attended by seers of all 13 main 'akhadas' and representatives of the Purohit Sangh. At the meeting, details were provided on the works being carried out by the state government for organising the mega event which is among the largest in the world, Fadnavis added. 'The work on the sewage treatment plant (STP), cleaning of Godavari river and land acquisition for 'Sadhugram' are in progress as well,' Fadnavis said. 'It is our endeavor to make Simhastha Kumbh Mela memorable and spiritual enriching. We are leaving no stone unturned. We urge devotees not to rush. As there will be a lot of time for everybody's participation in Nashik kumbh mela,' said Fadnavis.
