A group representing religious organisations in Nashik has asked the Maharashtra government to rename Ozar Airport as Jatayu Airport, ahead of the 2027 Singhस्थ Kumbh Mela in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
The demand was submitted in a memorandum to Nashik district collector Ayush Prasad by the Virakt Sadhu Samaj Nashik Mandal Trust and the Shri Kshetra Nashik Adya Sant Mahant Mandal Nashik Charitable Trust. Copies were also sent to the Maharashtra chief minister, deputy chief minister, guardian minister, Kumbh Mela minister and the Union civil aviation ministry.
The organisations said the proposed name would reflect Nashik’s religious and cultural association with the Ramayana and give the city a stronger identity among domestic and international visitors. They also pointed to the Jatayu temple at Taked in Nashik district as part of the area’s religious heritage.
According to the memorandum, the name Jatayu Airport would draw attention to the story of Jatayu, who, according to the Ramayana tradition, fought to protect Sita and sacrificed his life. The organisations said the proposed name could also help promote the temple and related religious sites in the district.
The request comes as preparations begin for the Singhस्थ Kumbh, which will be held in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar over a period of about 21 months. The official beginning is scheduled for 31 October 2026, when flag-hoisting ceremonies are due to take place at Ramkund, Panchavati and Trimbakeshwar. The event is scheduled to conclude on 24 July 2028.
The memorandum identifies three major bathing dates in 2027. The first Amrit Snan is scheduled for 2 August on Somvati Amavasya, followed by the second on 31 August during Shravan Amavasya. The third and final Amrit Snan is scheduled for 11 September in Nashik on Bhadrapada Ekadashi and 12 September in Trimbakeshwar.
The religious organisations expect large numbers of devotees, sadhus, saints, mahants and tourists from India and abroad to visit the region during the festival. The airport naming request therefore places Ozar Airport within the broader preparations for receiving and directing visitors to Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
Ozar Airport is currently the airport serving Nashik under its existing official name. The organisations said the proposal was not new and had previously been raised by sadhus and saints. The memorandum has now been placed before the district administration and state and central authorities for consideration.
The report does not indicate that any government department has approved the renaming proposal or announced a formal process and timeline for a decision.
