Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Nashik Ganeshotsav Tableau Questions Roads Ahead Of Kumbh Mela
Nashik’s roads have been dug up for work connected to the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
Many roads now have potholes, causing travel problems and accidents.
Municipal officials say 12 people have died in accidents linked to the road conditions.
People are also worried about traffic and pollution from tree cutting.
Some Ganeshotsav groups made displays to show these concerns.
One display shows Lord Ganesha asking when the work will finish.
It also asks whether he should return next year.
The tableaux use the festival to spread a message about a community problem.
Nashik’s road excavation, potholes and accidents have overshadowed preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Municipal officials have acknowledged 12 deaths linked to excavation work and potholes.
Ganeshotsav mandals created tableaux depicting residents’ frustration over damaged roads, traffic and pollution.
One tableau asks whether roadwork will be completed before the Kumbh Mela.
Lord Ganesha is shown asking, “Should I come back next year or not?”
- Who
- Nashik residents, municipal officials and Ganeshotsav mandals are central to the issue; the tableau features Lord Ganesha.
- What
- A Ganeshotsav tableau criticizes potholes, road excavation, accidents, traffic congestion and pollution in Nashik.
- When
- The issue is being highlighted during the current Ganeshotsav celebrations, ahead of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
- Where
- Nashik, including Hirawadi Road in Panchavati, and the planned Mela sites of Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
- Why
- Roads were excavated for preparations for the Kumbh Mela, while residents say the work has caused prolonged disruption and danger.
Residents and Ganeshotsav Mandals
Ruling Authorities and Administration
Roadwork and public safety
Residents and Ganeshotsav Mandals
Residents and mandals criticize prolonged excavation, potholes, traffic disruption and accidents, including reported fatalities.
Ruling Authorities and Administration
Authorities undertook the excavation as part of preparations for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Timing and planning
Residents and Ganeshotsav Mandals
Residents argue that the Mela dates were known years in advance and that the work could have been completed systematically.
Ruling Authorities and Administration
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said citizens might criticize the administration during the work but appreciate it after completion.
- Roadwork purpose
- Roads were dug up as part of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
- Reported fatalities
- Municipal officials said 12 people have died in accidents caused by excavation work and potholes.
- Tableau creators
- The Trimurti Nagar Kala, Krida and Sanskrutik Mitra Mandal and the Madat Foundation created the display.
- Location
- The tableau is located on Hirawadi Road in Panchavati.
- Central question
- “Will the work be completed before the Kumbh Mela?”
- Additional message
- The display asks, “Should I come back next year or not?”
- Political response
- Corporators from the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena alliance have raised concerns, while Nashik’s three BJP MLAs have not taken an aggressive stance.