Ramkund and adjoining Godavari ghats in Nashik will remain closed to devotees for the next 15 to 20 days as the civic administration accelerates paving, concreting, repairs and cleanliness work ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela flag-hoisting ceremony.
The temporary restriction applies to the stretch between Ahilyabai Holkar bridge and Talukteshwar temple. Dashkriya rituals will continue at the designated site, according to Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) officials. The decision was announced by Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority Commissioner Shekhar Singh and NMC Commissioner Manisha Khatri at a joint press conference.
Khatri said the access restriction was required to complete several pending works before the ceremony. “We have decided to restrict access to the Ramkund area for the next 15-20 days due to the various works that need to be completed before the flag-hoisting ceremony,” she said. Khatri added that the decision followed consultations with local legislators and other stakeholders.
The NMC has begun an intensive cleaning operation at Ramkund and the surrounding ghats. On Monday, its fire brigade deployed five fire tenders to wash and clean the area. Civic teams are also removing construction debris and encroachments from public spaces around Ramkund, the Godavari ghats and Gandhi Talav.
Work is continuing across the Godaghat area, including paving and concreting. Officials said essential amenities such as public toilets are also being prepared for the event. A new ghat at Ramkund has been completed with stone steps, while repair work at adjoining ghats is being undertaken by the Smart City Corporation. The administration expects the pending works to be completed before the flag-hoisting ceremony.
The temporary closure comes as authorities coordinate preparations involving the district administration, police, civic agencies, public representatives, akhadas and religious organisations. Discussions are under way on crowd management, pilgrim safety, transport and traffic regulation. Meetings with akhadas and religious institutions are also planned to coordinate religious and cultural programmes.
The build-up to the ceremony will include a mass Shankhnad event planned for October 25, with organisers seeking a Guinness World Record. The programme is also scheduled to include the unveiling of a commemorative postage stamp on the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, the launch of the Kumbh Authority’s website, the release of a coffee-table book, cultural performances and a special Godavari aarti.
Officials have appealed to citizens to cooperate with the temporary restrictions and allow construction and cleaning work to proceed. Singh described the flag-hoisting ceremony as a city-wide celebration and urged Nashik residents to participate in the preparations. The closure will remain in force for the announced 15-to-20-day period while authorities work towards completing the site ahead of the ceremony.
