Sun Jun 01 20:09:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is overseeing extensive preparations for the upcoming Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela, set to begin in October 2026 and conclude in July 2028. Key aspects include infrastructure development (roads, sewage treatment, ghat preservation), land acquisition for “Sadhugram,” and detailed planning to prevent stampedes during “Amrut Snan” (holy bath) dates. The government is investing heavily (₹6,000 crore in tenders) and collaborating with religious leaders to ensure a safe, memorable, and culturally significant event that showcases India’s ancient traditions to the world, as well as maintain the purity of the Godavari river.

**News Article:**

**Maharashtra Gears Up for 2026 Kumbh Mela, Promises “World’s Biggest Event”**

**Mumbai, June 2, 2025** – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced ambitious preparations for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela, slated to begin on October 31, 2026, and run through July 24, 2028. Following a meeting with leaders of 13 main *akhadas* and representatives of the Purohit Sangh, Fadnavis outlined plans to transform the event into a spectacle that will “amaze everyone around the world.”

The state government has already issued tenders for works totaling ₹4,000 crore, with an additional ₹2,000 crore in tenders expected soon. Projects include upgrades to sewage treatment, cleaning the Godavari River, and acquiring land for *Sadhugram*, the encampment for pilgrims. A ₹681 crore development plan has also been announced for Choundi, the birthplace of Ahilyadevi Holkar, with a focus on preserving historical *ghats*.

To ensure the safety of the millions of pilgrims expected to attend, the government has pre-determined dates for the *Amrut Snan* (holy bath) rituals in the Godavari River: August 2, 2027; August 31, 2027; September 11, 2027 (Nashik); and September 12, 2027 (Trimbakeshwar). The traditional *Shahi Snan* will be renamed *Amrut Snan*, following the precedent set during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela.

“We are working to make sure every experience at Simhastha Kumbh Mela becomes a memorable one with the safety of people and keeping the environment sacred and pure,” Fadnavis stated. The CM emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining the purity of the Godavari, ensuring uninterrupted river flow and clean water throughout the event.

Major infrastructure improvements are underway, including concrete road networks in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, and crowd management plans at key locations like Kushavarta. Nashik will host 44 auspicious bathing events, while Trimbakeshwar will host 53. This includes auspicious holy baths on Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya, Vaidhriti, and Vyatipata yogas. Fadnavis expressed confidence that the preparations will showcase India’s rich cultural heritage on a global stage.

Read More