As part of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela to be held next year in Nashik, the Dhwajstambh Shilanyas and Pujan ceremony was held yesterday in the presence of Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan.

The Kumbh Mela festivities will formally commence with the Dharma Dhwajarohan at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar on 31st October. More than 120 million devotees are expected to visit the pilgrimage centres during the Kumbh Mela.

Among those present on the occasion were Nashik Mayor Himagauri Adke-Aher, MLA Seema Hire, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Praveen Gedam, Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, Kumbh Mela Commissioner Shekhar Singh, and spiritual leader Narendraacharya Maharaj, along with saints, mahants, and representatives of various akharas.