Why Maharashtra needs to take lessons from Prayagraj ahead of Nashik Kumbh Mela 2027

“At Prayagraj, the state administration had elaborate plans. Yet, one instance of overcrowding led to a stampede… a blot on the management. We have to learn our lessons,” a senior government officer said, requesting anonymity.

The crowd gathered for ‘Amrit Snan’ on Mauni Amavasya at the Maha Kumbh Mela on Wednesday morning. A stampede-like situation broke out after a barrier reportedly broke. (Express Photo: Chitral Khambhati)

A day after at least 30 people died and 60 others were injured at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Wednesday, the officer’s concerns are understandable. In 2003, a similar stampede at the Nashik Kumbh Mela had led to the loss of 30 lives.

The Kumbh Mela sees millions of devotees take a holy dip in rivers for salvation and is held in rotation at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik every three years. At Prayagraj, the spiritual event is celebrated along the Triveni Sangam at the confluence of the Ganga, Jamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. In Haridwar, the Kumbh Mela is held along the Ganga River; in Ujjain along the Shipra River; and in Nashik, along the Godavari.

Unlike Prayagraj, however, Nashik has several limitations that throw up multiple challenges for the administration. While the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj is held on grounds spread across 4,000 acres of land, the Nashik Kumbh is confined to just 300 acres. At Prayagraj, the Kumbh Mela takes place on the outskirts of the city but the Kumbh Mela at Nashik is held in the heart of the city where the riverbanks are narrower. Also, Nashik always hosts the event during the monsoon and the rainfall compounds the problems for the administration. Devotees who visit the Nashik Kumbh Mela also offer prayers at the nearby Shani temple, adding to the crowds.

Devotees gather, a day before Mauni Amavasya, at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

This time around, Fadnavis has approved a Nashik makeover to ensure better roads, basic amenities, makeshift accommodations, a ‘Sadhugram’, etc. From parking facilities outside the Kumbh Mela venue to dedicated routes for devotees, several arrangements are being planned. The number of ghats along the riverbank is likely to be increased and multiple entry and exit points for devotees will be planned.

Fadnavis has also directed all departments concerned, including district and municipal corporations, to ensure greater coordination and systematically carry out planning and implementation. Senior BJP minister Girish Mahajan will be entrusted with the task of overseeing the preparations.

During the meeting, Fadnavis also called for branding the Kumbh Mela to give Nashik a global spiritual destination status. The projects shortlisted at the meeting included a spiritual corridor between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, the completion of the Ram Kal Path project, land acquisition for building special accommodation for seers and saints, widening of the Igatpuri-Nashik stretch of the Mumbai-Agra National Highway etc.

People rest near the Ganga river during Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

In 2015, Fadnavis, who was the Maharashtra chief minister then, had sanctioned Rs 2,500 crore for Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. This year, the budget is likely to increase, sources said.

However, even as the government is gearing up to host the mega event without any mishaps, Nashik is yet to get a guardian minister as both the BJP and the Shiv Sena are eyeing the coveted post. With the Kumbh Mela around the corner, many infrastructure projects will be rolled out and both parties are eager to claim their share of the pie, sources said.