President Murmu Invited to Grace Nashik Kumbh Mela Flag Hoisting
Maharashtra leaders invite President Droupadi Murmu to the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela flag-hoisting ceremony on October 31.
In a significant move to mark one of Maharashtra's most prestigious spiritual gatherings, a high-level delegation from the state has extended a formal invitation to President Droupadi Murmu to attend the Nashik Kumbh Mela. The invitation specifically requests her presence at the flag-hoisting ceremony scheduled for October 31, an event that will signal the formal commencement of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
A Rare Spiritual Milestone
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the upcoming event as a moment of immense pride and honor for the state. He highlighted that the "Trikhandi Kumbh" is a particularly auspicious occasion, noting that it is taking place after a gap of 65 years. Given the scale of the event, millions of devotees from across the country and the world are expected to converge in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar to participate in the sacred rituals.
"Today, we met with the President. A major Kumbh Mela is being organised in Nashik, Maharashtra... This is a highly auspicious occasion, and it is a matter of great pride and honour for Maharashtra," stated Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
The Presidential Meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan
The formal invitation was delivered during a meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The delegation was led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and included Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, along with several Cabinet ministers and other dignitaries.
To showcase the richness of the state, the Chief Minister presented President Murmu with a specially curated gift hamper. This collection was designed to represent Maharashtra's diverse identity, featuring:
- Tribal entrepreneurship and textile craftsmanship
- Spiritual traditions and cultural heritage
- Agricultural prosperity and the state's culinary legacy
Beyond the Flag Hoisting: A Packed Itinerary
The invitation extends beyond the primary flag-hoisting ceremony. The state government has requested the President to participate in several other landmark events scheduled for October 31, including:
- The Maha Goda Aarti
- The official inauguration of the Nashik Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority website
- The launch of the official Kumbh Mela anthem
- The unveiling of a commemorative postage stamp and a coffee table book dedicated to the Mela
Preparations for 2027
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his honor in meeting the President. He noted that the invitation for the hoisting of the Dharmadhwaj for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 represents a critical milestone in the ongoing preparations for the grand congregation.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde expressed strong confidence that the President will accept the invitation, fulfilling the wish of the people of Maharashtra to have the head of state grace this spiritual milestone.