President Murmu unfurls Dharmadhwaja to launch Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela

Key facts

• President Droupadi Murmu hoisted the Dharmadhwaja (religious flag) at Ramtirtha in Nashik at 12.02 pm on October 31, 2026, formally launching the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hoisted the flag at Trimbakeshwar's Kushavarta Teerth in the presence of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Vidhushekhara Bharati of Sringeri Peeth.
• Jupiter's entry into the zodiac sign Leo (Simha) is the key planetary alignment that gives the Simhastha Kumbh Mela its religious significance.
• The Simhastha Kumbh Mela will continue until July 2028, with closing ceremonies scheduled for July 24, 2028 at Trimbakeshwar and July 29, 2028 at Nashik, making the period approximately 21 months.
• The Shri Ganga-Godavari Dharma Dhvaj features an Amrit Kumbh symbolising immortality, Omkar, the letter 'Shri', twelve silk tassels representing social unity, bells, and symbols of the crocodile, sun and moon.
• Preparations for infrastructure, sanitation, traffic management, security and civic amenities are underway in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar to welcome devotees from India and abroad.