Mass Conch-Blowing Ceremony Marks Spiritual Prelude to Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 in Presence of Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan
Nashik, October 2026: Nashik created history on Sunday as 517 people blew conch shells simultaneously, surpassing the previous record of 303 participants set in the United States. The achievement was announced by Guinness World Records representative Rishikesh Nag, drawing loud chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” along the sacred banks of the Godavari River.
The event celebrated devotion, faith, collective participation and India’s cultural heritage, while serving as a spiritual prelude to the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.
The mass conch-blowing ceremony was jointly organised by the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela Authority and the Anant Vijay Shankhnaad group on the auspicious occasion of Kojagiri Purnima. The event took place at Yashwant Maharaj Patangan on the banks of the Godavari in the presence of Maharashtra Water Resources Minister and Nashik Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan.
The sound of hundreds of conch shells resonating simultaneously created a vibrant atmosphere and highlighted Nashik’s rich religious and cultural traditions, generating enthusiasm among residents ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Mayor Himgauri Adke Aher, legislators Rahul Dhikale, Devyani Pharande and Seema Hiray, Simhastha Kumbh Mela Authority Chairman and Divisional Commissioner Dr Praveen Gedam, Authority Commissioner Shekhar Singh, Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri, District Collector Ayush Prasad, Public Works Department Chief Engineer Arundhati Sharma and several other officials attended the programme. Guinness World Records representative Rishikesh Nag, coordinator Milind Berlekar, members of the Anant Vijay Shankhnaad group, religious leaders and a large number of citizens were also present.
Nashik’s Achievement Adds to Maharashtra’s Prestige
Congratulating the participants after the record was established, Mahajan said the achievement was not limited to Nashik or Maharashtra but also enhanced India’s reputation.
Such initiatives showcase Indian culture, spiritual traditions and the strength of collective participation to the world, he said.
Conch-blowing is an integral part of Indian religious and cultural traditions and holds special significance during auspicious occasions, religious ceremonies and spiritual worship. The Nashik event sought to connect this ancient tradition with a global record.
Mahajan praised the participants for their preparation, discipline and enthusiasm, saying their collective contribution had made the achievement possible.
Record Verified as Per Prescribed Criteria
During the event, Guinness World Records representative Rishikesh Nag explained the process for establishing the record.
The previous record for the largest number of people blowing conch shells simultaneously stood at 303 participants. To surpass it, the organisers had to ensure that a greater number of people performed the activity together in accordance with the prescribed rules.
More than 500 people had registered for the initiative. Two observers verified participant registrations, actual participation and compliance with the specified criteria.
Blowing a conch shell requires more than religious enthusiasm. It involves breath control, regular practice, pranayama and physical capacity. Coordinating hundreds of participants to perform the activity simultaneously was therefore a challenging task.
The enthusiastic participation of Nashik residents demonstrated unity and collective commitment. The achievement has added a new dimension to the city’s cultural identity, the organisers said.
Simhastha Kumbh Mela Belongs to Every Resident of Nashik
With preparations underway for the next Simhastha Kumbh Mela, Mahajan appealed to residents to participate actively in making the historic event a success.
He said the Kumbh Mela was not merely an event organised by the government, administration, elected representatives or police, but a celebration belonging to every resident of Nashik.
He urged people to welcome every visiting devotee with the same warmth and affection with which they would receive guests in their homes.
A large number of pilgrims are expected to visit Nashik and Trimbakeshwar for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. This makes careful planning for roads, riverfront ghats, sanitation, lighting, traffic management, accommodation, food and visitor assistance essential.
Mahajan said the administration was working on infrastructure development and called upon residents, traders, business owners, volunteers and government agencies to coordinate their efforts.
Everyone must work to ensure that pilgrims receive accurate information, face no unnecessary difficulties and enjoy a comfortable stay in Nashik. The city’s cleanliness, beauty and warm hospitality should leave a lasting impression on visitors, he said.
Flag Hoisting Scheduled for October 31 to Mark Preparations
As an important milestone in preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, a flag-hoisting ceremony will be held at Ramkund in Nashik on October 31 at 12:02 pm. A corresponding ceremony will take place in Trimbakeshwar at the same time.
Mahajan urged residents to participate enthusiastically in the ceremonies marking the preparations for the upcoming religious gathering.
Elected representatives, office-bearers, officials from various departments and citizens attended the programme in large numbers.
