President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday formally inaugurated the Simhastha Kumbh Mela celebrations in Maharashtra by hoisting the main religious flag at Ramkund in Nashik, marking the beginning of one of India’s most significant religious congregations.
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar commenced at the auspicious moment associated with Jupiter’s entry into the Leo zodiac sign, a celestial alignment that holds special significance in Hindu religious traditions.
At a parallel ceremony in Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hoisted the Dharma Dhwaj at Kushavarta Tirtha, another important pilgrimage site associated with the Kumbh Mela.
The ceremonies were attended by Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, along with several saints, seers and other distinguished guests.
President Offers Prayers at Ramkund
Before the flag-hoisting ceremony, President Murmu offered prayers at the Ganga Godavari Temple and performed religious rituals at Ramkund, situated on the banks of the Godavari River.
The President is also scheduled to visit Trimbakeshwar to offer prayers and pay obeisance at the Dhwaj Stambh.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also performed prayers at Kushavarta Tirtha in Trimbakeshwar before participating in the flag-hoisting ceremony.
The commencement of the Simhastha period marks the beginning of religious and administrative activities leading up to the major bathing ceremonies, which are expected to attract devotees from across the country.
6,500 Tribal Community Members to Participate in Goda Aarti
One of the major highlights of the celebrations is the special Goda Aarti planned at Ramkund, involving approximately 6,500 members of the tribal community.
The collective participation is aimed at creating a world-record attempt while showcasing Maharashtra’s cultural diversity, spiritual traditions and the important role of tribal communities in preserving India’s heritage.
The main programme at Ramkund will also feature an address by President Murmu.
The participation of thousands of tribal community members is expected to make the Goda Aarti a significant attraction of the inauguration celebrations.
Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Prepares for Major Religious Congregation
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela holds immense religious and cultural significance and is traditionally organised once every 12 years.
Nashik’s Ramkund and Trimbakeshwar’s Kushavarta Tirtha are among the principal sacred locations associated with the congregation.
The 2026-2028 Simhastha period is expected to bring millions of pilgrims and visitors to the region. The Maharashtra government and local administration are undertaking preparations to strengthen infrastructure, transportation, sanitation, security and public facilities ahead of the major gathering.
The inauguration ceremony marks the beginning of an important spiritual chapter for Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, bringing together religious traditions, cultural heritage and community participation.
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela continues to represent India’s centuries-old spiritual legacy and its enduring tradition of faith and collective devotion.
