Thousands of devotees gather along the banks of Godavari in Nashik for the auspicious evening MahaGoda Aarti
It is also a celebration of India’s cultural values and a message of social unity,” she said. Stressing the need for sustainable celebrations, President said faith must be accompanied by a sense of responsibility towards nature. “The Kumbh is not merely an expression of faith.
Nashik : President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday called for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela to become a model that blends faith with environmental conservation, cleanliness, effective waste management and modernity. Addressing devotees during the MahaGoda Aarti on the banks of Godavari on Saturday evening, hours after the Dharma Dhwajarohan ceremony, Murmu said the Kumbh was far more than a religious gathering.
President also highlighted Maharashtra’s contribution to India’s history and social reform movements and praised the participation of around 6,500 tribal community members from 650 villages in the MahaGoda Aarti.
Referring to upcoming Simhastha, she said the congregation should adopt new dimensions of modernity without losing its traditional character. “Their presence reflects India’s unity in diversity,” she said. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis , deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, ministers, public representatives and seers from various akhadas attended the programme.
Earlier, President Murmu performed Godavari pujan as part of the MahaGoda Aarti.
The chief minister said works planned for the two pilgrimage centres were taking shape and reiterated govt’s commitment to making the 2027 Simhastha “grand, divine and beautiful” while improving facilities for millions of pilgrims expected to attend.