President Droupadi Murmu Invited to Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela Flag Hoisting Ceremony

New Delhi, 21st October 2026: President Droupadi Murmu has been invited to attend the flag hoisting ceremony marking the commencement of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela preparations in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar on October 31. A delegation led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, extended the invitation to the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The delegation included state ministers, elected representatives and officials associated with the Kumbh Mela preparations.

During the meeting, Fadnavis formally invited the President to the October 31 ceremony and presented her with a specially curated gift hamper showcasing Maharashtra’s diverse cultural heritage, including its spiritual traditions, tribal entrepreneurship, textile craftsmanship, agricultural produce and culinary culture.

The President has also been invited to attend the Goda Aarti and the inauguration of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority’s website on the same day. The programme also includes the release of the Kumbh Mela theme song, the launch of a coffee-table book on the event and the unveiling of a commemorative postage stamp dedicated to the Kumbh Mela.

Among those present during the meeting were Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal; Water Resources, Disaster Management and Kumbh Mela Minister and Nashik district guardian minister Girish Mahajan; School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse; Food and Drug Administration and Special Assistance Minister Narhari Zirwal; Nashik Mayor Himgauri Adke-Aher; Trimbak Municipal Council president Triveni Tungar; Nashik Purohit Sangh president Chandrashekhar Panchakshari; Trimbakeshwar Purohit Sangh president Manoj Thete; Narsimhakripa Das of the Ramteerth Godavari Seva Samiti; Trimbakeshwar Devasthan president and Joint Charity Commissioner Justice Vivek Sonawane; Simhastha Kumbh Mela Authority chairman and Divisional Commissioner Dr Praveen Gedam; and Kumbh Mela Commissioner Shekhar Singh.

Special invitation showcases Kumbh Mela’s cultural significance

The invitation presented to the President features an artistic design highlighting the mythology, spiritual significance and scale of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. When the invitation box is opened, a three-dimensional pop-up artwork unfolds, depicting elements associated with the religious gathering.

The concept incorporates experiences associated with the five senses — sight, sound, smell, taste and touch — to showcase Nashik’s cultural heritage, the religious significance of the Godavari River and the importance of the Kumbh Mela in Indian traditions.

Gift hamper highlights tribal products and Maharashtra’s heritage
The gift hamper includes products from Shabari Naturals, an initiative under Maharashtra’s Tribal Development Department. The collection features incense sticks, food products made from millets, products derived from mahua flowers, bamboo handicrafts and forest honey.

The products highlight traditional tribal knowledge, the sustainable use of natural resources and the entrepreneurial skills of tribal communities. The initiative also seeks to promote local products, support tribal artisans and strengthen the economic empowerment of these communities.

The hamper also features a Paithani saree from Yeola, representing Maharashtra’s traditional textile craftsmanship. Black raisins and cashews have been included to showcase Nashik’s agricultural produce, while the city’s culinary heritage is represented by chivda, a popular savoury snack. Selected sweets and dry-fruit products are also part of the collection.