A delegation led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday invited President Droupadi Murmu to attend the flag-hoisting ceremony on October 31, marking the commencement of the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The delegation also invited her to attend the Goda Aarti, the launch of the Kumbh Mela Authority’s website, the release of the Kumbh Mela anthem, the unveiling of a commemorative postage stamp and the launch of a coffee-table book. Mr Fadnavis presented Ms Murmu with a specially curated gift hamper showcasing Maharashtra’s spiritual heritage, tribal products, Paithani textiles, agricultural produce and traditional cuisine.

The delegation also included Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, along with Cabinet Ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Girish Mahajan, Dadaji Bhuse and Narhari Zirwal. Officials included Dr Praveen Gedam, Chairman of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela Authority and Divisional Commissioner, and Kumbh Mela Commissioner Shekhar Singh. Trimbak Municipal Council President Triveni Tungar and representatives of religious organisations were also part of the delegation. The invitation was extended to the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Mr Shinde said the President had been invited to attend the flag-hoisting ceremony scheduled for October 31, which would mark the inauguration of the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela, an event that takes place once every 65 years. She has accepted the invitation, paving the way for the Nashik Kumbh Mela to receive national prominence through the presence of the President of India. “President Murmu will attend the flag-hoisting ceremony on October 31,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Speaking to the media in Delhi, Mr Shinde said the Kumbh Mela would span approximately 22 months, from October 31, 2026, to July 24, 2028, and would witness the participation of millions of devotees. The first Amrit Snan (sacred ritual bath) is scheduled for August 2, 2027, and the second for August 31, 2027. The third Amrit Snan will take place in Nashik on September 11, 2027, and in Trimbakeshwar on September 12, 2027.

Describing the event as an unforgettable and spiritually significant occasion, he said it would fill Nashik and the surrounding region with an atmosphere of devotion, auspiciousness and spiritual fervour.

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