ASI Works Reviewed; Cultural Affairs Secretary Directs Faster Execution Ahead of Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027

Nashik, 4th August 2026: State Secretary, Marathi Language and Cultural Affairs Department, Dr Kiran Kulkarni, on Monday chaired a review meeting at the headquarters of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) to assess the progress of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) works being undertaken in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. NTKMA Commissioner Shekhar Singh, senior ASI officials and other concerned officers were present.

Dr Kulkarni reviewed the progress of conservation, restoration and development works at key heritage sites, including Sangam Tirth & Old Kushavarta, Naroshankar Temple, Kashi Vishweshwar Temple, Gautameshwar Temple, Mukundeshwar Temple and Tank, Prayag Tirth, Bilwa Tank and Temple, Chakhoba Temple, Sundarnarayan Temple & Ghat, Indra Kund, Balaji Kot Wall, Gautam Talav, Ajgareshwar Samadhi, Talkuteshwar and Modkeshwar Temples, and Kushavarta Kund and its surroundings (Phase II & III) at Trimbakeshwar.

During the review, Dr Kulkarni stressed the need to complete all pending works within the stipulated timelines without compromising on quality. He directed the concerned officials to expedite execution through closer coordination, regular monitoring and timely resolution of project-related issues so that all conservation works are completed well ahead of Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.

The meeting also discussed cultural programming initiatives planned for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Various avenues of collaboration and institutional support between NTKMA and the Department of Cultural Affairs were deliberated, including international outreach initiatives such as Davos 2027, the Har Ghar Kumbh campaign, Maharashtra Spiritual Thought Leadership programmes, spiritual and knowledge conclaves, and the development of a world-class Simhastha Interpretation and Experience Centre.

NTKMA also requested the Department of Cultural Affairs to initiate the process for securing UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition for the heritage precincts of Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. The Authority further sought the department’s support in planning and curating the proposed Kalagram, showcasing Maharashtra’s traditional handicrafts, folk and tribal arts, and cultural heritage in coordination with the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) and the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC). Discussions were also held on curating and programming cultural performances at the proposed Godavari Pandal in Nashik and Ahilya Pandal in Trimbakeshwar during Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.

Concluding the meeting, Dr Kulkarni directed all concerned agencies to work in close coordination and ensure the timely completion of the ongoing conservation and restoration works while adhering to the prescribed quality standards and project timelines.