President Murmu inaugurates Simhastha Kumbh preparations in Nashik

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

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

President said that the Kumbh was not only an event of religious faith but also provided an opportunity to bring about social harmony and positive transformation in India.

Talking about the drought situation in the State, President Murmu assured the farmers that the Centre and the Government of Maharashtra would extend the required assistance to them without undermining their dignity and self-respect. She said the government would always support the farmers, calling them the provider of the country’s food security.

Kumbh will transform Nashik and Trimbakeshwar; Says Fadnavis

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the Kumbh reflected the confluence of the multiple expressions and traditions of ancient Indian Sanatan culture.

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

He assured the gathering that the Government of Maharashtra was committed to making the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh a memorable one and transform the entire development scenario of Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, informed that the State Government is all set to welcome approximately 12 crore pilgrims from around the globe for the forthcoming Simhastha Kumbh.

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

He further added that the event must create employment opportunities for the people of the region and contribute to the economy of the region too.

While inaugurating the Kumbh Mela Anthem and Website of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, President Murmu released commemorative stamps based on the Ramteerth in Nashik and the sacred Kushavart Teerth in Trimbakeshwar for the coming Simhastha Kumbh Mela .These stamps were handed over to the President by Ramchandra Jaibhave.

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

Published - November 01, 2026 08:44 am IST