People at the Kumbh Mela (Image for representation)
Credit: Special Arrangement
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has set the ball rolling for setting up of a Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTPKMA) for mega congregation on the lines of Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj Mela Authority.
The Bill to set up NRPKMA was tabled in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on the opening day of the monsoon session.
On June 4, the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maha Yuti government promulgated an ordinance for the authority after the approval of the state Cabinet.
As per the bill, the 22-member Authority will be headed by the Nashik Divisional Commissioner, and will also include Nashik Collector and Nashik Range Inspector General of Police as vice chairpersons.
The chairperson will have powers to direct government departments and other authorities for requisitioning of services, facilities, premises, vehicles etc for the Kumbh Mela.
A committee of ministers will also be set up to review the work of the authority from time to time.
The Kumbh Mela in the pilgrim town of Nashik will commence on October 31, 2026.
The Nashik Kumbh Mela is held in RamKund in Nashik town along the Godavari River and the Kushawart Kund in Trimbakeshwar, which houses one of the 12 jyotirlingas.