Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday held a meeting with the chiefs 13 main akhadas (monastic orders) and representatives of the Purohit Sangh to discuss the preparations for the upcoming Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela to begin on October 31, 2026, with a traditional flag hoisting at Trimbakeshwar and Ramkund in Nashik.  

On July 29, 2027, ‘Nagar Pradakshina’ (a procession carrying the idol around the city in a clockwise direction) will be held at Nashik. The first ‘Amrut Snan‘ (ritual dip) in the Godavari river will happen on August 2, 2027, the second one will take place on August 31, 2027, the third in Nashik on September 11, 2027, and fourth one on September 12, 2027, at Trimbakeshwar. The Simhastha Kumbh Mela held once in 12 years, will wind up on July 24, 2028.  

Speaking to journalists after the meeting with the priests and temple heads in Nashik, Mr. Fadnavis said that this will the world’s biggest event and the arrangements will amaze everyone around the world.  

“We have issued tenders of works costing ₹ 4,000 crore and another tender for work costing ₹ 2,000 crore will also be issued soon. A development plan of ₹681 crores for Choundi, the birthplace of Ahilyadevi Holkar is also announced today. We are in the process of preserving the ghats constructed by her,” the CM said. 

Speaking about the meeting, the CM said, “Today we discussed on the progress of the ongoing work on the sewage treatment plant, cleaning of Godavari river and land acquisition for ‘Sadhugram‘. To make sure there is no stampede-like-situation, we have announced the ‘Amrut Snan’ dated already and kepts the program running on a long stretch so that no devotee has to rush for special holy bath. We are working in advance to make sure every experience at Simhastha Kumbh Mela becomes a memorable one with safety of people and keeping the environment sacred and pute for every person who attends it.” 

The State government has also accepted suggestions from Mahant Rajendradas Maharaj during the meeting that ‘Shahi Snan‘ should be called ‘Amrut Snan‘ like it was done in the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh. 

“With the kind of preparations, we are making to turn into a magnificent and memorable event, the world will be left awestruck looking at our ancient culture. We are working as per the feedback of the akharas, sadhus and mahants to provide the best possible amenities. Unlike 2015 Kumbh when there was little time to prepare, this time we have ample time on our hands to do a thorough preparation. Our priority is also to maintain the purity of Godavari river and for that we have planned for an uninterrupted river flow that will ensure clean water during and after the event,” the CM added. 

On quality infrastructure, the CM said a concrete road network is under progress across Nashik and Trimbakeshwar with crowd management plans at places like Kushavarta in Trimbakeshwar.  

Nashik will host a total of 44 auspicious bathing events, and Trimbakeshwar will host 53, including auspicious holy baths on Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya, Vaidhriti, and Vyatipata yogas.