Trained manpower for pilgrimage services under the ‘Vedic Sanskar Junior Assistant’ course

Thousands of youth to serve devotees at the upcoming Nashik Kumbh Mela

Mumbai, Oct 2025 : Through the newly introduced short-term course ‘Vedic Sanskar Junior Assistant’ in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), trained manpower will now be available to serve in pilgrimage centers across Maharashtra. Thousands of trained youth will be deployed to assist devotees during the upcoming Nashik Kumbh Mela, scheduled to be held next year, announced Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. He shared details about this initiative while speaking to the media at Sahyadri Guest House.

The ‘Vedic Sanskar Junior Assistant’ is a special vocational program launched by the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET) and has received recognition from the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). The primary aim of this course is to create a pool of trained professionals who can effectively assist in pilgrimage management and services.

Under this initiative, youth working at religious congregations, pilgrimages, and temple towns will receive structured professional training. Trainees will play a vital role in areas such as devotee reception, guidance, health and hygiene awareness, and social coordination.

Minister Lodha further stated that this innovative program will prove extremely valuable in ensuring disciplined management and efficient services at the 2026–27 Nashik Kumbh Mela, where millions of devotees are expected to participate. The trained youth will contribute significantly to maintaining order and extending courteous assistance in a spiritually charged atmosphere.

Notably, this short-term course is being conducted in Nashik district, with the specific objective of preparing skilled manpower for managing and guiding pilgrims during the Kumbh Mela. Senior officials from the Skill Development Department also informed that similar courses are being conducted not only in Maharashtra but across various parts of India, to promote structured and professionalized support services at major pilgrimage centers.