<p><a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/nashik-kumbh-mela-2027-cm-fadnavis-shinde-and-sunetra-pawar-meet-president-murmu-invite-her-for-dharmadhwaj-ceremony-on-oct-31-23656266" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">President Droupadi Murmu</a> on Saturday hoisted the saffron religious flag at Ramteerth on the banks of the Godavari in Nashik, marking a significant milestone in preparations for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela.</p>
<p>The ceremony was held amid Vedic chants, the blowing of conch shells and the presence of prominent religious leaders and dignitaries.</p>
<p>The President began the ceremony by offering oblations into the yajna fire, followed by a traditional puja of the Godavari river. She then paid obeisance to the religious flag before hoisting it amid chants by priests and the sounds of traditional musical instruments. The ceremony marked the auspicious beginning of the countdown to the religious congregation, which is held once every 12 years.</p>
<h2>Dignitaries and religious leaders attend ceremony</h2>
<p>Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Union Minister of State for Ayush and Health Prataprao Jadhav, Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan and senior minister Chhagan Bhujbal were among the prominent dignitaries present at the ceremony.</p>
<p>Several prominent religious leaders also attended the event, including Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad president Shri Mahant Ravindra Puri Maharaj, Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Narendraacharya Maharaj and Shri Mahant Gyan Das Maharaj, along with representatives of various akhadas.</p>
<h2>Administration steps up preparations for Simhastha Kumbh</h2>
<p>The administration has begun preparations to accommodate the large number of devotees expected to visit Nashik and Trimbakeshwar for the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/nashik-kumbh-mela-2027-136-temporary-medical-facilities-190-ambulances-planned-in-mahatashtra-23651588" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Simhastha Kumbh Mela</a>.</p>
<p>Infrastructure development, sanitation, traffic management, security and essential civic facilities are among the key focus areas. Authorities are working to preserve the religious traditions of the event while providing modern facilities and ensuring a safe and convenient experience for pilgrims.</p>
<p>Divisional Commissioner Dr Praveen Gedam, Simhastha Kumbh Mela Authority Commissioner Shekhar Singh, Nashik Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri and District Collector Ayush Prasad were among the senior officials present at the ceremony.</p>
<h2>Significance of the religious flag</h2>
<p>The Shri Ganga-Godavari religious flag features several auspicious symbols, each carrying religious and cultural significance.</p>
<p>The Amrit Kalash represents immortality, liberation and divine power, while the Om symbol signifies the universe and its all-pervading nature. The inscription 'Shri' represents victory and auspiciousness.</p>
<p>The 12 silk tassels symbolise social unity and collective strength, while a bell and three small bells represent cosmic sound.</p>
<p>The reverse side of the flag features a crocodile, traditionally associated with the Godavari, along with the symbols of the Sun and Moon.</p>

President Droupadi Murmu hoists the saffron religious flag at Nashik’s Ramteerth, marking a milestone in preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela

President Droupadi Murmu hoists religious flag, heralds Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh

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The ceremony was held amid Vedic chants, the blowing of conch shells and the presence of prominent religious leaders and dignitaries

President Droupadi Murmu hoists religious flag, heralds Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela

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