Preparations are in full swing at Ramkund ahead of Oct 31 Dhwajarohan ceremony of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela
Khatri said works at Ramkund and the adjoining Godaghat area were in the final stages and the entire stretch would be spruced up ahead of the ceremony.
In the build-up to the Dhwajarohan ceremony, a mass Shankhanad programme will be organised near Devmamledar grounds (on Godavari banks) in Nashik on Oct 25, where 501 participants will blow conch shells simultaneously to set a world record on Kojagiri Pournma around 6 pm. The existing record was set in the USA, where 303 people blew conch shells simultaneously, according to organisers. Singh said another Shankhanad would be held during the Dhwajarohan ceremony on Oct 31, to be followed by Goda aarti on Godavari river’s right bank near Ramkund. However, following a meeting with Kumbh Mela and guardian minister Girish Mahajan last week, both sides have agreed to jointly perform aarti on Oct 31.
Once complete, Ramkund will get a facelift through the infrastructure work done in the area,” Khatri said. An official said the initiative aims to showcase Nashik’s religious and cultural heritage and promote the tradition of conch blowing ahead of Simhastha festivities. “A majority of works at Ramkund and Godaghat are complete, and the remaining work will conclude within the next five days. Conch shells are being procured from Chennai for the programme, which will also see participation from local organisations and voluntary groups.