Preparations for 2027 Kumbh in Nashik slow, will overcome hurdles: Fadnavis

Preparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela in Nashik are progressing at a slower pace than anticipated, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday, describing it as an event of "faith and technology".

Speaking at a programme of CII Young Indians in Nashik, Fadnavis acknowledged the challenges in organising the large-scale event but expressed confidence in overcoming them.

The chief minister noted that while work on infrastructure is currently behind schedule, the situation is improving.

"We started preparations for the Kumbh Mela last year. If we had started the work in 2020, we would have been in a more comfortable position today," he said.

Fadnavis credited the efficiency of the team working on the event that has been following a reverse planning strategy and assured that despite the delays, progress was being made, drawing from the experience of the successful Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

"In 2015, Nashik hosted the Kumbh Mela, and after many years, no fatalities were reported. This time, we are looking at a similar model of success and efforts underway to develop Nashik and Triambakeshwar," he said.

Describing the upcoming event in Nashik as a "Kumbh of faith and technology", Fadnavis highlighted that the integration of artificial intelligence, crowd management systems, and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) tools will offer an immersive experience for attendees.

"The event will be held across 300 acres, significantly smaller than the 7,500 hectares of Prayagraj," he said.

Fadnavis expressed his gratitude to the sadhus and seers for their cooperation in making the event run smoothly despite the challenges.

He also discussed the social impact of the Kumbh Mela, citing Prayagraj's 2025 event, where nearly 50 crore people attended, coming together regardless of caste or financial background, united by their faith.

"People from across the country attended the Kumbh in Prayagraj, and it changed the economy of Uttar Pradesh. The state's GSDP figures next year will be surprising," Fadnavis said, expressing hope for a similar surge of faith and participation at Maharashtra's Kumbh Mela.

The chief minister called for people to connect with Maharashtra in the same spirit, supporting the state's preparations and contributing to the event's success in 2027.