States » WestPosted at: Oct 18 2026 10:00PM


Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Flag Hoisting on October 31: Suspense Over Chief Guest, No Clarity on Water for Dry Godavari

Nashik, Oct 18 (UNI) Preparations are underway for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 in Nashik, which will officially begin with the flag-hoisting ceremony on October 31.
However, controversies surrounding the mega religious event continue, with uncertainty over the chief guest, the arrangements for the Godavari Aarti and the crucial question of how water will reach the now-dry Godavari river at Ramkund.
The administration is planning a special Godavari Aarti involving around 6,500 tribal participants on October 31, reportedly in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu. However, the President’s participation remains uncertain, while the riverbed at Ramkund has dried up amid ongoing Kumbh development works.
The Godavari Aarti itself has also become a contentious issue. The Ganga Godavari Purohit Sangh and the Ramteerth Godavari Seva Samiti conduct separate aartis at Ramkund, leading to differences between the two organisations. The Kumbh Mela administration minister is reportedly attempting to resolve the dispute and bring the two sides together.
With drought conditions prevailing across Maharashtra and water shortages affecting large parts of the state, the administration faces a major challenge in ensuring water availability at Ramkund for the flag-hoisting ceremony.
One option under consideration is releasing water from the nearby Gangapur Dam. However, officials face questions over whether such a release would be justified when the state government has directed a 10 per cent water cut and imposed restrictions amid the prevailing scarcity. There are also concerns that releasing water solely for the ceremony could lead to wastage.
The administration is yet to provide a clear solution to the problem. With the Godavari currently dry at Ramkund, the question of how the river will be filled in time for the October 31 ceremony remains unanswered.
The preparations have also raised questions about expenditure at a time when the state government has directed departments to reduce costs.
The Kumbh Mela Authority is reportedly planning to provide special clothing to the approximately 6,500 tribal participants expected to attend the Aarti, along with transportation and other arrangements. The presence of the President, the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers would further add to the scale of the event and its associated expenses.
The potential expenditure on the ceremony has prompted questions about the government's priorities, particularly when several parts of Maharashtra are facing water shortages and drought-related difficulties.
Another major question concerns the participation of President Droupadi Murmu in the ceremony. Although reports and claims about her presence have circulated over the past few days, it has emerged that the Kumbh Mela Authority has reportedly not yet sent an official invitation to the President.
Meanwhile, the Nashik Purohit Sangh claims to have extended an invitation to her around three weeks ago.
With just days remaining before the October 31 flag-hoisting ceremony, uncertainty persists over the chief guest, the arrangements for the Godavari Aarti and the availability of water at Ramkund.
As preparations gather pace for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh, the administration faces mounting questions over coordination, spending and water management. The biggest unanswered question remains: Will water flow through the dry Godavari at Ramkund for the flag-hoisting ceremony, and if so, where will it come from?
UNI BHG CDS
Tags: #Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Flag Hoisting on October 31: Suspense Over Chief Guest# No Clarity on Water for Dry Godavari
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