Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik-Trimbakeshwar to Begin October 31, 2026
On June 1, it was officially announced that the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela will begin on October 31, 2026, with traditional flag hoisting ceremonies in both major pilgrimage cities. The first sacred bath, or ‘Amrit Snan’, will take place on August 2, 2027 in the holy Godavari River.
Key Dates Announced at Meeting Chaired by Chief Minister Fadnavis
The announcement came after a major meeting of saints and Mahants in Nashik, presided over by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He stated that the scale of preparations would leave the world in awe.
- Flag hoisting: October 31, 2026
- Nagar Pradakshina: July 29, 2027
- First Amrit Snan: August 2, 2027
- Second Amrit Snan: August 31, 2027
- Third and final Amrit Snan: September 11, 2027 (Nashik) and September 12, 2027 (Trimbakeshwar)
- Flag withdrawal (closing): July 24, 2028
Massive Infrastructure and Sanitation Projects Underway
Fadnavis detailed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and spiritually enriching experience. Tenders worth ₹4,000 crore have already been issued, with an additional ₹2,000 crore in the pipeline. Projects include sewage treatment plants, river cleaning, land acquisition for Sadhu Gram, and road networks throughout Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
Unique Features of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh
This Kumbh is unique as Shaiva and Vaishnava Akharas perform their rituals separately. Additionally, locations like Ramkund, Panchavati, and Kushavarta are being developed with crowd management strategies. There will be 44 sacred bathing rituals in Nashik and 53 in Trimbakeshwar during the festival, aligned with Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya, and special Yogas like Vaidhriti and Vyatipat.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the origin of the Godavari River from the Brahmagiri Hills. Nashik is believed to be part of Dandakaranya forest, where Lord Rama spent his exile.
Preservation and Development Initiatives
The government is investing ₹681 crore in developing Chaundi, the birthplace of Ahilyadevi Holkar, and preserving ghats built by her. Efforts are being made to maintain the sanctity and uninterrupted flow of the Godavari River by ensuring only clean water enters it.
CM Fadnavis also accepted a proposal from Mahant Rajendradass Maharaj to rename the traditional ‘Shahi Snan’ as ‘Amrit Snan’, in line with the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela tradition.
The Maharashtra government is committed to making the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela safe, clean, and spiritually fulfilling for all pilgrims and visitors.