Maharashtra cabinet approves law to establish Nashik Kumbh Mela Authority

Ahilyanagar: The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a law to establish a Kumbh Mela Authority for planning the mega congregation scheduled to take place in Nashik in 2027, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday.

The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (KMA) will be modelled after the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela Authority, which was granted planning powers.

"In today's cabinet meeting, we approved a law to facilitate the establishment of the Kumbh Mela Authority for the event's planning," Fadnavis said after chairing the state cabinet meeting at Chondi village in Ahilyanagar district.

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela, held after a 12-year interval, attracts lakhs of devotees.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), approximately 2.5 crore people attended the 2015 Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The number of attendees for the 2027 fair is expected to increase four to five times.

"A dedicated authority is essential for holistic planning and coordination," the statement said. The Cabinet has approved an ordinance and granted approval for appointing officials to key posts to ensure efficient management, the statement added.