President Murmu begins Simhastha Kumbh preparations in Nashik

President Droupadi Murmu with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during ‘Dhwaj Stambh Pujan’, ‘Dhwaja Pujan’ and ‘Dhwajarohan’ ceremony at ‘Simhastha Maha Kumbh’, in Nashik, Maharashtra on October 31, 2026. Photo: Bhavan Rashtrapati

President Droupadi Murmu led the flag worshiping ceremony of Simhastha Kumbh Mela on Kushavart Teerth at Trimbakeshwar, Nashik on Saturday (October 31, 2026). Addressing the gathering at the Maha Goda Aarti ceremony, President Murmu urged the people of India to make the upcoming Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela an example of social unity, environmental protection, preservation of India’s cultural heritage and integration of modern infrastructure with age-old religious rituals.

The President said that Kumbh is not only an event of religious faith but also provides an opportunity to bring social harmony and positive transformation in India.

Speaking about the drought situation in the state, President Murmu assured the farmers that the Center and the Maharashtra government would provide them the required assistance without undermining their dignity and self-respect. She said the government will always support the farmers, calling them the food security provider of the country.

Kumbh transforms Nashik and Trimbakeshwar; Says Fadnavis

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Kumbh reflects the confluence of many expressions and traditions of India’s ancient Sanatan culture.

He called the gathering an event of faith not only for Indians but also for devotees across the world, continuing the ancient tradition of sacred immersion in the Ganga and Godavari.

He assured the gathering that the Maharashtra government is determined to make the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh memorable and transform the entire development scenario of Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde informed that the state government is ready to welcome around 12 million pilgrims from all over the world for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh.

According to him, development projects worth about ₹ 35,000 crore are being implemented in the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar area and these development activities will not be limited to Kumbh alone but will also bring development thrust to the region in the long run.

He further added that the event must create job opportunities for the residents of the region and also contribute to the economy of the region.

Inaugurating the Kumbh Mela anthem and the Simhastha Kumbh Mela website, President Murmu released commemorative stamps based on the Ramteerth in Nashik and the sacred Kushavart Teerth in Trimbakeshwar for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. These marks were presented to the President by Jaibhave Ramchandra.

Along with President Droupadi Murmu, Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar, among other state ministers, attended the ceremony. The religious ritual was held after the arrival of President Murma in Kushavart.

Published – 01 Nov 2026 08:44 IST