Kumbh Dhwajstambh shilanyas at Ramkund today

Nashik: The foundation-laying ceremony for the Dhwajstambh of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela will held at Ramkund on the Godavari river in Nashik on Thursday.The ceremony will take place in presence of Kumbh Mela minister Girish Mahajan and mahants of various akharas.A 51-foot-tall Dhwajstambh is proposed to be installed at Ramkund, where the Kumbh flag will be hoisted later this year. The structure will be made of panchadhatu, an alloy of five metals, and is considered a key ritual installation associated with the Kumbh Mela. In addition, a separate 31-foot-tall Dhwajstambh is planned atop the Ganga Godavari temple located along the Ramkund stretch.The ceremony has been organised by the Ganga Godavari Purohit Sangh, an association of priests who perform religious rituals along the Godavari river.“This Dhwajstambh will serve as the focal point for the flag-hoisting ceremony on October 31 this year, which marks the formal commencement of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela,” said Satish Shukla, chief trustee of the Sangh.The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is scheduled to begin with the ceremonial flag hoisting on Oct 31 this year, while the three major Amrit Snan days will be observed between Aug and Sept 2027.