Nashik’s Simhastha Kumbh Mela will formally begin on 31 October with President Droupadi Murmu attending the maha dhwajarohan ceremony, while the Trimbakeshwar temple will remain closed to most devotees until 6 pm because of security and crowd-management arrangements.
The President’s programme includes a yajna, worship at the Gautami Godavari temple and the flag-hoisting ceremony at 12:02 pm. She is also scheduled to attend the Godavari aarti and the launch of the Kumbh Mela Authority’s website. The programme will include the release of the Kumbh Mela song, the unveiling of a commemorative postage stamp and the publication of a coffee-table book.
The maha dhwajarohan ceremony is being held at Kushavart Tirth in Trimbakeshwar, while arrangements have also been completed at the Ram Kund complex in Nashik. Officials have reviewed security, traffic management, religious rituals and seating arrangements for guests attending the event.
The state Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Sunetra Pawar and other ministers and officials are expected to be present. Kumbh Mela Commissioner Shekhar Singh and Additional District Magistrate Hemangi Patil have reviewed preparations at the yajna kund, Gautami Godavari temple, dharmadhwaj pillar and the site of the Godavari aarti.
The Trimbakeshwar temple will remain closed to all devotees on 31 October until 6 pm in view of the ceremony at Kushavart Tirth. According to officials, the decision was taken to manage the security of dignitaries and regulate the anticipated crowd. Residents of Trimbakeshwar and people holding authorised darshan passes have been exempted from the restriction.
The arrangements cover more than the ceremonial programme. The district administration, police and other departments have coordinated security and crowd-control measures around the venues. The restrictions at the temple are intended to separate regular pilgrim access from the movement and protection requirements associated with the President’s visit.
The event follows a meeting in New Delhi between President Murmu and the state’s political leadership. Chief Minister Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde and Sunetra Pawar had invited her to attend the opening ceremony during their visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The flag-hoisting ceremony marks the public launch of preparations for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. The district administration’s next scheduled milestone is the completion of the 31 October ceremonial programme, including the flag hoisting, Godavari aarti and the launch of the Kumbh Mela Authority website.
