Ritual worship and aarti of the sacred Gautami Ganga Godavari performed
Nashik, October 2026: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday participated in the Simhastha flag worship ceremony at the sacred Kushavart Tirtha in Trimbakeshwar, Nashik district, in connection with the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The ceremony was held in a religious and auspicious atmosphere.
On the occasion, the President performed the traditional worship of the sacred Gautami Ganga Godavari, offered prayers to the Simhastha flag, presented a special arghya and participated in the Godavari aarti.
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan, School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, and Employment Guarantee Scheme and Protocol Minister Jaykumar Rawal were among the dignitaries present.
The religious rituals commenced after President Murmu arrived at Kushavart Tirtha. Amid the chanting of sacred mantras by priests, she performed the traditional worship of the holy Gautami Ganga Godavari. This was followed by the worship of the Simhastha flag, the offering of a special arghya and the Godavari aarti.
The chanting of Vedic hymns and the performance of traditional rituals created a deeply devotional atmosphere at the sacred site.
The ceremony assumes special significance in view of the forthcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Kushavart Tirtha is regarded as a sacred source of the Godavari River and occupies a unique place in the religious traditions associated with the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
MLAs Gokul Geete, Advocate Manikrao Kokate, Dilip Bankar and Hiraman Khoskar; Municipal Council President Triveni Tungar; Divisional Commissioner Dr Praveen Gedam; District Collector Ayush Prasad; Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Omkar Pawar; Purohit Sangh President Manoj Thete; Shri Harigiriji Maharaj; saints and mahants representing various akharas; and local residents were also present.
On the occasion, the Purohit Sangh presented President Droupadi Murmu with a commemorative copper plaque as a mark of respect.
