Will the Maha Government Establish the Kumbh Mela Authority?

Mumbai, June 30 (NationPress) On Monday, the Maharashtra government introduced a bill aimed at forming a 22-member Nahik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority. This authority, led by the Nashik divisional commissioner, is tasked with overseeing the organization and management of the Kumbh Mela as well as associated activities across Nashik and Trimbakeshwar talukas and other regions in the Nashik division.

The next Kumbh Mela is scheduled to occur in 2027, repeating every 12 years.

The legislative proposal, known as the Nahik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority Act 2025, draws inspiration from similar laws enacted by Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh for managing their respective Kumbh Melas.

In 2015, around 2.50 crore pilgrims attended the Kumbh Mela in Nashik, and the bill anticipates an even larger turnout for the forthcoming event, which may present significant management challenges.

The bill emphasizes that the scale and attendance of the Kumbh Mela have grown considerably over the years.

“As a result, there is a pressing need to establish an Authority composed of officials from relevant government departments to ensure seamless organization and management of the Kumbh Mela in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar talukas. This will guarantee facilities and a safe, secure environment that offers a fulfilling spiritual and touristic experience for all attendees, including Sadhus, Mahants, pilgrims, tourists, and local residents,” the bill states.

The Authority will have the authority to devise a comprehensive Kumbh Mela plan that delineates tasks, projects, and activities essential for managing the Kumbh Mela and its associated events.

The Chairperson of the Authority will issue directives to various government departments and agencies to facilitate the organization of the Kumbh Mela, requisitioning necessary services, facilities, resources, and transportation to ensure adequate amenities.

The Authority will also be empowered to form a ministerial committee to periodically assess its operations.

In case of emergencies or disasters, the Authority will possess the ability to make urgent provisions for procurement, construction, and accounting. Additionally, it can grant permission to any individual or company for professional or trade activities, as well as to develop a temporary city or township within the Kumbh Mela vicinity.

Earlier, on June 1, the Maharashtra government unveiled the schedule for the upcoming Nashik Kumbh Mela and Amrit Snan (holy dip) set for 2027.

According to the schedule, the Simhastha Flag Hoisting ceremony is slated for October 31, 2026, at 12:02 PM (Location: Ramkund Panchavati), with the first Amritsnan taking place on Monday, August 2, 2027, during Ashadh Somvati Amavasya. The second Mahakumbhasnan will occur on August 31, 2027, followed by Shravan Amavasya and the third Amritsnan on September 11, 2027. The Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela will coincide with these dates.

All days of Ekadashi, Pournima, Amavasya, and Vaidhriti Vyatipat Yoga during the Simhastha Parva period in Nashik will be designated as pilgrimage and darshan days for devotees. In addition to the three main parvas during Kumbh Mela 2027 in Nashik, there will be a total of 44 Muhurtas for Parvasnana and 53 Muhurtas at Trimbakeshwar, as stated in the government release.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that the state government will make every effort to ensure that the Kumbh Mela takes place in a secure, clean, and sacred setting.

“Comprehensive facilities will be accessible to the devotees attending the Kumbh Mela. Financial resources will be allocated for this purpose. As the Kumbh Mela symbolizes Indian Sanatan culture, global attention is drawn to it. With collective cooperation, we will orchestrate a grand, divine, and unforgettable event that will astonish the world,”