President Droupadi Murmu Hoists Religious Flag, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Begins

On the banks of the Godavari River, President Droupadi Murmu hoisted the religious flag at Ramtirtha (Ramkund) in Nashik at 12:02 pm on Saturday. The ceremony marked the formal beginning of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

President Murmu first offered prayers at the Yagnakund. She then worshipped the Godavari River and paid her respects to the religious flag before hoisting it in the presence of priests.

As the flag was raised, the area around Ramtirtha echoed with the sound of conch shells. Priest Satish Shukla and Purohit Sangh president Chandrashekhar Panchakshari led the religious ceremonies.

Religious Flag Hoisted in Trimbakeshwar, Fadnavis Attends Ceremony

After the ceremony, Shukla said the religious flag represents more than religious identity. He described it as a symbol connecting centuries of cultural traditions with the present.

Around 30 km away, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hoisted the religious flag at Kushavarta Teerth in Trimbakeshwar. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Vidhushekhara Bharati of Sringeri Peeth was also present at the ceremony.

The priests chanted mantras in praise of the Godavari and performed the Sankalpa ritual.

The ceremony marked the formal beginning of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Nashik and Trimbakeshwar are expected to welcome devotees from across India and abroad.

Various government agencies are working on infrastructure, sanitation, traffic management, security and other basic facilities for the event.

Nashik Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan said the administration is working to ensure that devotees visiting the Godavari, taking a holy dip and meeting saints have a safe and smooth experience.