Nasik Kumbh Mela Preparations Take Off, Eye On Next Lok Sabha Election

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has activated the state machinery to ensure flawless celebration of the Nasik Kumbh, which takes off on 31 October 2026. As part of the overall preparations, tenders have been issued for the first instalment of various works costing around Rs 4000 crore. Fadnavis said another tranche of Rs 2000 crore will be announced eventually, as the work progresses. Fadnavis presided over an important meeting to supervise the mega plan at Nasik. It was attended by chief seers of 13 Akhadas and top government officials. The CM’s close confidant Girish Mahajan has been entrusted with the task of implementing various aspects concerning the Kumbh Mela, for which millions of people turn up from all over the world. The first Snaan (holy ablution) is traditionally called Shash Snaan. “It should be renamed as Amrit Snaan,” demanded Mahant Rajendra Das Maharaj.  The Kumbh Parva will ritually start on 31 October next year by unfurling the religious flag. The first Shahi Snaan will happen on 2 August 2027. The concluding Snaan will occur on 11 September 2027. The Kumbh will end on 24 July 2028, according to the tentative timeline drawn up. The final dates will be announced soon, Fadnavis said. Over the years, the Kumbh has become an important event for different reasons, some of them political. While the saffron camp capitalizes on its celebration, the so-called secular elements attack it though some of its prominent leaders don’t miss an opportunity to take a dip in the holy water and flash its pictures on social media. Hence, the Nasik Kumbh is also going to be crucial since the next Lok Sabha elections will be held within a year from then.