Simhastha Kumbh 2027 formally began in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar on Saturday as President Droupadi Murmu and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis hoisted twin Dharma Dhwajas, starting a two-year countdown to the main religious congregation and its expected millions of pilgrims.
President Murmu raised the ceremonial flag at Ramkund in Nashik at 12.02 pm, atop a 51-foot Dhwajstambh, after performing Godavari pujan and worshipping the flagpole. The ceremony took place amid Vedic chants, conch calls and temple bells, with an estimated one lakh devotees, sadhus and residents gathered along both banks of the river, according to the Times of India report.
At the same time, Fadnavis and Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam of Sringeri Sharada Peetham hoisted the Dharma Dhwaja at Kushawarta Teerth in Trimbakeshwar, where the Godavari originates. The ceremony featured conch blowing, drums and Vedic recitations, while pilgrims gathered around the newly installed 51-foot brass-plated flagpole.
The ceremonies were held at the astrologically significant moment when Jupiter entered Leo, or Simha Rashi, which gives Simhastha its name. Although the religious event has formally commenced, the three main Amrit Snans, or ritual baths, are scheduled between August and September 2027.
The launch places Nashik and Trimbakeshwar’s civic systems under a long preparation cycle. Roads leading to Ramkund were barricaded for security on Saturday, and devotees were directed through designated access points. Trimbakeshwar was decorated with flags and floral arrangements, while traditional music accompanied visitors arriving for the ceremony.
The scale of the main congregation means that the preparation will extend beyond ceremonial arrangements. Civic agencies are expected to complete infrastructure, sanitation, security and crowd-management works before the major bathing dates next year. Fadnavis said at Trimbakeshwar that extensive efforts were under way to ensure smooth arrangements for the millions of pilgrims expected during the Kumbh.
Speaking at Ramkund, Murmu described the Kumbh as more than a religious gathering, calling it an expression of India’s spiritual heritage, faith and social harmony. She said people from different traditions come together during the congregation, representing the country’s cultural unity.
The opening ceremonies also produced an unexpected public interaction. While travelling from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar, Murmu made an unscheduled stop near Pimpalgaon Bahula village after noticing women and children gathered along the roadside. She stepped out of her convoy, greeted them, distributed sweets and exchanged a few words before continuing to Trimbakeshwar.
The twin flag-hoisting ceremonies have now set the formal countdown to the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh in motion. The next major official focus will be the completion of civic and crowd-management arrangements ahead of the three Amrit Snans scheduled for August and September 2027.
