The important dates for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, to be held in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, were officially announced on Sunday during a meeting chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Nashik collectorate. The sacred event will commence on October 31, 2026, with the ceremonial ‘Dhwajarohan’ (flag hoisting) at Trimbakeshwar, Ramkund and Panchvati and will conclude on July 24, 2028.
The ‘Nagar Pradakshina’ in Nashik is scheduled for July 29, 2027, followed by the three ‘Amrut Snan’ (holy baths) on August 2, August 31 and September 11 in Nashik, with the final one on September 12 at Trimbakeshwar.
Preparations underway, tenders worth Rs 4,000 cr issued
Fadnavis confirmed the participation of seers from all 13 main akhadas and representatives of the Purohit Sangh in the meeting. He assured that preparations were well underway, with tenders worth Rs 4,000 crore already issued and another Rs 2,000 crore in the pipeline. Major infrastructure projects include a sewage treatment plant (STP), cleaning of the Godavari river and land acquisition for ‘Sadhugram’.
To ensure smooth crowd management and prevent stampedes, the CM advised pilgrims to plan their visits across the extended duration of the event rather than crowding on specific holy days.
In a notable development, the CM also accepted a suggestion by Mahant Rajendradas Maharaj to use the term ‘Amrut Snan’ in place of ‘Shahi Snan’, following the practice adopted at the recent Prayagraj Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh.