New Delhi, October 2026 : A delegation comprising Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, members of the state Cabinet, officials and other dignitaries invited President Droupadi Murmu to the flag-hoisting ceremony scheduled for October 31, marking the grand commencement of the Singhstha Kumbh Mela at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
During the meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Chief Minister formally invited the President to attend the flag-hoisting ceremony to be held at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar on October 31. He also presented her with a special gift hamper showcasing Maharashtra’s diverse heritage, ranging from its spiritual traditions and tribal entrepreneurship to textile crafts, agricultural prosperity and culinary culture.
The President was also invited to attend the Goda Aarti, the inauguration of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority’s website, the release of the Kumbh Mela song, and the unveiling of a coffee-table book and a commemorative postage stamp dedicated to the Kumbh Mela, all scheduled for the same day as the flag-hoisting ceremony.
Those present on the occasion included Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal; Water Resources, Disaster Management and Kumbh Mela Minister and Nashik district Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan; School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse; Food and Drug Administration and Special Assistance Minister Narhari Zirwal; Nashik Mayor Himgouri Adke-Aher; Trimbak Municipal Council President Triveni Tungar; Trimbakeshwar Devasthan president and Joint Charity Commissioner Justice Vivek Sonune; Nashik Purohit Sangh president Chandrashekhar Panchakshari; Trimbakeshwar Purohit Sangh president Manoj Thete; Narsimhakrupa Das of the Ramteerth Godavari Seva Samiti; Singhstha Kumbh Mela Authority Chairman and Divisional Commissioner Dr Praveen Gedam; and Kumbh Mela Commissioner Shekhar Singh, among others.
Unique Invitation Showcasing the Kumbh Mela and Maharashtra’s Culture
The invitation presented to the President is based on a distinctive artistic concept. On opening the invitation box, a three-dimensional pop-up artwork unfolds, depicting the mythological origins, spiritual significance and grandeur of the Kumbh Mela.
The concept incorporates experiences associated with the five senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Through these elements, it highlights Nashik’s cultural heritage, the sacred significance of the Godavari River and the unique importance of the Kumbh Mela in Indian tradition.
The gift hamper includes products from Shabari Naturals, an initiative under the Tribal Development Department. These include incense sticks, food products made from millets, products derived from mahua flowers, bamboo articles and forest honey.
Together, these products showcase the traditional knowledge of tribal communities, the sustainable use of natural resources and the strength of local entrepreneurship. The hamper also conveys a message about the skills of tribal artisans, efforts to provide market access to locally made products and the economic empowerment of tribal communities.
The hamper also features the Paithani saree from Yeola, a celebrated symbol of Maharashtra’s textile heritage. Black raisins and cashews represent Nashik’s agricultural prosperity, while chivda, a traditional savoury snack, reflects the region’s culinary traditions.
A selection of sweets and dry-fruit delicacies has also been included in the special gift hamper.
