Known the world over for its colourful rituals, electric atmosphere and massive crowds, the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2015 began on Tuesday. The mega religious congregation, which will take place over two months this time, is held every 12 years in Nashik on the banks of the Godavari.
Thousands of devotees and seers took a holy dip in the river at Ramkund and Kushavart Teerth as the Dhwajarohan Samaroh (flag hoisting ceremony) marked the start of the festival. While Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the flag hoisting ceremony in Nashik, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh presided over ceremonies in Trimbakeshwar.
The main features of the festival are the three ‘Shahi Snans’ (royal bathing days) that are scheduled on August 26 (Shravan Purnima), September 13 (Bhadrapad Amavasya) and September 18 (Bhadrapad Shukla Panchami). The bulk of the attendance is witnessed on these days, considered the most auspicious for ritual dips.
Other than its ritual significance, the festival is known worldwide for its elaborate logistics. Over Rs. 2,500 crore has been spent on preparations — new roads have been laid out in Nashik and over 15,000 security personnel, including paramilitary forces, have been deployed. The last edition of the festival in 2003 was marred by a stampedein which more than 35 people were killed.
