The sacred Simhastha Dharma Dhwaja flutters above Ramkund after President Droupadi Murmu performed the ceremonial flag-hoisting on the banks of Godavari on Saturday
Nashik : The 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela formally began on Saturday as President Droupadi Murmu hoisted the ceremonial Dharma Dhwaja at Ramkund in Nashik, and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis raised the flag at Kushawarta Teerth in Trimbakeshwar, marking the start of the two-year religious congregation. At Ramkund, the ceremonies unfolded amid Vedic chants, conch calls and temple bells as President Murmu hoisted the flag atop the 51-foot Dhwajstambh at precisely 12.02 pm. The President at the ceremony that was marked by blowing conches, beating drums and Vedic recitations The chants of priests mingled with the sound of conches as the flag unfurled and fluttered above Ramkund, watched by an estimated one lakh devotees, sadhus and residents lining both banks of Godavari. Deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, Kumbh Mela minister Girish Mahajan, seers from various akhadas and senior officials attended the ceremony. She noted that millions from different traditions come together during the congregation, embodying the country’s enduring cultural unity.
President performed a series of rituals, including Godavari pujan and worship of the flagpole, before the flag rose over the banks of the river. The sacred Simhastha Dharma Dhwaja flutters above Ramkund after President Droupadi Murmu performed the ceremonial flag-hoisting on the banks of Godavari on Saturday Speaking at Ramkund, Murmu said the Kumbh is not merely a religious gathering but a living expression of India’s spiritual heritage, faith and social harmony.
At Trimbakeshwar, Fadnavis said the Kumbh represented India’s civilisational continuity and collective faith, adding that extensive efforts were underway to ensure smooth arrangements for the millions of pilgrims expected next year.