The Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar will take place over a long period of 21 months, starting from October 21, 2026 and ending in July 2028. The schedule was announced after a review meeting led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Nashik on Sunday.
The government has already invited bids worth ₹4,000 crore for infrastructure development. More work worth ₹2,000 crore is also planned. These developments include cleaning the Godavari River, setting up sewage treatment plants, improving water supply, and more.
Key Dates of the Nashik Kumbh Mela 2026:
- Starts: October 21, 2026, with flag hoisting (Dhwajarohan) at Trimbakeshwar, Ramkund, and Panchvati.
- Nagar Pradakshina: July 29, 2027, in Nashik.
- First Amrut Snaan: August 2, 2027.
- Second Amrut Snaan: August 31, 2027.
- Third Amrut Snaan: September 11, 2027, in Nashik and September 12 in Trimbakeshwar.
The planning meeting included important officials, saints, and heads of 13 Akharas. CM Fadnavis said that detailed discussions were held with them to ensure smooth preparations.
Due to the extended schedule, the administration believes crowd management will be easier. Special attention is being given to Trimbakeshwar’s Kushavart pond, which is a small and crowded area. A new 1.5 km-long ghat will be built nearby along the Godavari River to avoid overcrowding and ensure safety.
Officials also pointed out that Nashik and Trimbakeshwar have less open space compared to other Kumbh locations like Prayagraj, Ujjain, or Haridwar. For example, Nashik’s Sadhugram (a special area for saints) is only 350 acres, while Prayagraj has over 10,000 acres.
Politics and Appointments
Even though preparations are moving fast, the state government has not yet named the guardian minister for Nashik due to political disagreements. However, CM Fadnavis said the focus should be on the event and not politics.
Girish Mahajan has been appointed as the Kumbh Minister, and an authority will soon be set up to manage the preparations. Ministers like Dada Bhuse and Chhagan Bhujbal will also support the planning process.
Cultural Changes
On the suggestion of Mahant Rajendradas Maharaj, the Shahi Snaan will now be called Amrut Snaan, just like it was renamed during the recent Kumbh in Prayagraj.
CM Fadnavis assured that the Simhastha Kumbh Mela will be well-organized and unforgettable for all devotees.
