President performs the flag ceremony of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Maha Kumbh

31 October 2026

President Droupadi Murmu took part in the Dhwaj Stambh Pujan, Dhawaja Pujan and Dhwajarohan ceremony of the Simhastha Maha Kumbh at Nashik in Maharashtra. Speaking at the public programme, she placed the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha in the line of India's four great Kumbh gatherings. The others, she noted, are held on the banks of the Ganga at Haridwar, at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, and on the banks of the Shipra at Ujjain, while Nashik's stands on the Godavari. She said the unbroken holding of these gatherings over centuries is proof of the strength of the country's cultural and spiritual traditions. The President expressed confidence that the coming Simhastha Maha Kumbh of 2027 would act as a bridge between ancient heritage and modern times. She also spoke of the drought that has hit farmers in parts of Maharashtra and said both governments were working to support them. Cleanliness and waste management at the Maha Kumbh should set an example, she added. The State's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, attended along with his two deputies, and work worth about Rs 35,000 crore is under way around Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.