NASHIK, Mar 28 : Though preparations for the forthcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik in 2027 have gained momentum, especially after the visit of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on March 23, differences have cropped up over the name of the mega congregation.
During the CM’s visit, leaders from Trimbakeshwar akharas (religious orders) had demanded that the festival be called Trimbakeshwar-Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
However, during a recent meeting with the authorities at the Nashik Municipal Corporation headquarters, leaders from Nashik akharas insisted that the name be retained as Nashik Kumbh Mela.
Sadhus and mahants from the Nashik akharas also demanded that they be included in the Simhasth Kumbh Mela Authority, to be established by the state government, and more than 500 acres be reserved permanently for Kumbh.
When asked about the demands concerning the name, Nashik Collector Jalaj Sharma said, “The information regarding the issue will be submitted to the government (after checking records) and a decision will be taken as per its instructions.”
The Kumbh Mela in Nashik district is expected to take place between July 14 and September 25, 2027, on the banks of Godavari river. It will be held after 12 years.
Earlier in the day, Maharashtra water resources and disaster management minister Girish Mahajan visited Trimbakeshwar to review preparations for the mega event.
“The state government is positive about the various demands of the sadhu-mahants,” he said.
Among those who took part in the review meeting chaired by Mahajan were divisional commissioner Pravin Gedam, district collector Jalaj Sharma, Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad president Mahant Ravindrapuri Maharaj, Juna Akhada Mahamantri Harigiriji Maharaj, Bada Udasin Akhada’s Indramuniji Maharaj, Nava Udasin Akhada’s Gopaldas Maharaj, Mahanirvani Akhada’s Ajaypuri Maharaj, Anand Akhada’s Ganeshanand Saraswati and Shankaranand Saraswati, among others.
The akhara representatives said new ghats must be built along the Narmada river in view of the narrow space in Trimbakeshwar, especially in Kushavart area.
They said new “kunds” (ponds) should be created along with enhanced facilities, which were approved in principle by Mahajan.
“The Maharashtra government will provide various facilities for the Kumbh, which will be organized successfully with the cooperation of the sadhu-mahants and the Purohit Sangh. The crowd may be three to four times more than the last edition and more so it will be monsoon. Therefore, detailed security and safety arrangements must be in place,” the minister said.
Planning is on to make available optional water stock for flowing and clean water for the bath of sadhu-mahants and devotees during the Kumbh Parvani period, said Mahajan, who also chaired a meeting on the subject at the collectorate. (PTI)
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