Latest news with #SimhasthaKumbhMela
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- 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.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says Nashik Kumbh to begin October 31, 2026; first holy dips on August 2, 2027
Rs 4,000 CRORE DEVPT WORK TENDERS PROCESSED: CM Devendra Fadnavis welcoming mahants of 13 akhadas in Nashik on Sunday NASHIK: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis declared the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik will commence with a flag hoisting ceremony at Ramkunda on Oct 31, 2026, while the first Amrut Snans in both Nashik and Trimbakeshwar are planned for Aug 2, 2027. The declaration was made after Fadnavis consulted with leading seers from the Vaishnav and Shaiva sects in Nashik city, accompanied by state ministers Girish Mahajan and Dada Bhuse. Fadnavis said, 'After discussions with the seers, we finalised the dates for the Amrut Snan at both Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, which will start on Aug 2, 2027. This time, there are a large number of Parvasnan (bathing dates) spread across 2027-28 and, therefore, we will see a large number of visitors to Nashik. Govt is taking up all the measures for this.' The Amrut Snan schedule for both venues—Nashik (Vaishnav gathering) and Trimbakeshwar (Shaiva gathering)—is confirmed for Aug 2 and Aug 31, 2027. The subsequent Amrut Snans have been scheduled on Sept 11 in Nashik and Sept 12 in Trimbakeshwar. Fadnavis said, 'The meeting with the mahants and all-important office-bearers of all 13 akhadas was held cordially, and we patiently heard all their demands. We brought to their notice that we have already processed tenders for more than Rs 4,000 crore in developmental works (including roads, construction, and beautification of ghats etc.), of which a few are in the last stage. Besides, tenders for works worth Rs 2,000 crore will also be issued soon. ' He said the Nashik corporation's plan to set up sewage treatment plants is moving ahead. Related ministers are working on rolling out steps for effective crowd management and to ensure provision of facilities.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- 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
2 days ago
- 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.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Simhastha Kumbh Mela to begin in Nashik-Trimbakeshwar on Oct 31 next year
Nashik/Mumbai, The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela will begin on October 31, 2026, with the traditional hoisting of flags at the two prominent pilgrimage towns, while the first 'Amrut Snan' or ritual dip in the Godavari river will take place on August 2, 2027. The much-awaited dates were announced at a meeting of sadhus and mahants in Nashik chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who said the world would be awestruck by the scale of arrangements to be made for the magnificent congregation. The Simhastha Kumbh Mela will begin on October 31, 2026, with 'Dhwajarohan' at Trimbakeshwar and Ramkund in Nashik. 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 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 the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is held once in 12 years. The previous Simhastha Kumbha Mela was held at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar in the year 2015-16. The Kumbh Festival is traditionally held at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, Prayag , Haridwar, and Ujjain. Ardh Kumbh is held at Prayag and Haridwar after every six years. The Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh is unique as Vaishnav Akhadas and Shaiva Akhadas bath separately here. Fadnavis said the meeting was attended by seers of all 13 main "akhadas" and representatives of the Purohit Sangh. He said those who attended the meeting were provided details of the works being carried out by the state government for organising the mega event, among the largest in the world. "Tenders of works costing ₹4000 crore have been issued. Tenders for another set of works entailing expenditure of ₹2000 crore will also be issued soon. Work on the sewage treatment plant , cleaning of Godavari river and land acquisition for 'Sadhugram' are in progress as well," Fadnavis told reporters. On crowd control and management to ensure there is no stampede-like situation, the CM said 'Amrut Snan' dates have been announced and since the event will run for a long time, devotees need not rush just on particular days and must space out their visits. "The government is making every effort to make Simhastha Kumbh Mela a memorable and very well-planned affair," Fadnavis asserted. He also accepted a suggestion during the meeting from Mahant Rajendradas Maharaj that 'shahi snan' should be called 'Amrut Snan' the way it was done in the recently concluded Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. "Maharashtra Government will make every possible effort to ensure that the upcoming Kumbh Mela is held in a safe, pure, and sacred atmosphere," Fadnavis said, adding that all necessary facilities will be made available for the devotees. He said since Kumbh Mela symbolises the ancient Indian culture, it draws attention from across the world. "With everyone's cooperation, a magnificent and memorable event will be organised that will leave the world in awe," Fadnavis added. The processions and spiritual direction of Kumbh are led by akharas , sadhus, and mahants, while the state government's role is to serve and provide the best possible amenities. The chief minister assured excellent facilities by the government and accommodating the feedback of sadhus and mahants for better planning. "Unlike 2015, when there was little preparation time, this time, with ample lead time, the government is aiming for thorough preparation," he said. Noting that preserving the sanctity and continuous flow of the Godavari River is the primary objective of the Kumbh, Fadnavis said projects to manage sewage and wastewater are underway to ensure that only clean water enters the river. "Efforts are being made to maintain water purity by preventing pollution and planning for uninterrupted river flow, ensuring clean water during and after the Kumbh Mela," Fadnavis said. He said necessary facilities would be provided to the Akharas. A road network is being developed across the city for the Kumbh. Crowd management plans at places like Kushavarta in Trimbakeshwar are also being worked out. "Quality infrastructure will be set up in both Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, with no shortage of funds," the Chief Minister's Office stated in a release. He emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of devotees by prioritising security measures during planning. Highlighting heritage development, the Chief Minister announced a development plan of ₹681 crores for Choundi, the birthplace of Ahilyadevi Holkar. The ghats constructed by her are also being preserved. Additionally, Nashik will host a total of 44 auspicious bathing events, and Trimbakeshwar 53, including Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya, Vaidhriti, and Vyatipata yogas. Devotees are encouraged to participate in these in large numbers, said District Collector Jalaj Sharma. Nashik is believed to be the part of Dandakaranya, where Lord Rama lived during his exile. Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas where the Godavari river originates on Bramhagiri hills. The Kumbh Mela is the world's largest public gathering and collective act of faith. This congregation, primarily, includes ascetics, saints, sadhus, sadhvis, and pilgrims from all walks of life. The Maha Kumbh Mela was organised at Prayagraj on the banks of the confluence of three rivers in January-February this year.
