Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Nashik Ganesh Mandals to Become Ambassadors for MahaSimhastha 2027
Every twelve years, a very big religious gathering called the Kumbh Mela happens in Nashik, India.
The next one, called MahaSimhastha, will take place in 2027.
Nashik has many community groups called Ganesh Mandals that decorate their neighbourhoods during the Ganesh festival.
The people in charge of the Kumbh want these groups to help spread the word about it.
They created a friendly contest called the MahaSimhastha Ganesh Mandal Challenge.
Groups can make decorations, art displays, and programmes that teach people about the Kumbh.
They can choose from seven themes, like the Kumbh's spiritual meaning, caring for the environment, and helping communities.
The best ideas win prizes, and the biggest award is five lakh rupees.
Groups can sign up to join until September 10, 2026.
The goal is for everyone in Nashik to learn about and feel part of the big event.
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) proposed the 'MahaSimhastha Ganesh Mandal Challenge' to mobilise Ganesh Mandals as community ambassadors for MahaSimhastha 2027.
The proposal was discussed at a meeting of major Ganesh Mandals chaired by NTKMA Commissioner Shekhar Singh at the District Collector's Office in Nashik.
Mandals are encouraged to create Kumbh-themed decorations, installations, awareness programmes and community initiatives during Ganeshotsav around seven themes, including heritage, sustainability and inclusivity.
Five main award categories carrying proposed prizes of ₹2 lakh each have been suggested, plus a Jury's Special Recognition for Originality with a proposed prize of ₹5 lakh.
Registration for the proposed challenge will remain open until September 10, 2026.
Ganesh Mandal representatives, including Nashik Ganesh Mandals Association president Samir Shete, shared suggestions on participation, implementation and outreach during the meeting.
- Who
- The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA), led by Commissioner Shekhar Singh, along with Ganesh Mandals from Nashik city and district.
- What
- A proposed 'MahaSimhastha Ganesh Mandal Challenge' that will make Ganesh Mandals ambassadors to promote awareness and participation in MahaSimhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.
- When
- The proposal was discussed at a meeting on Tuesday; registration for the challenge will remain open until September 10, 2026.
- Where
- Nashik, at the District Collector's Office.
- Why
- To take the MahaSimhastha message beyond traditional Kumbh venues into neighbourhoods and build public awareness, especially among youth and local communities.
- Event
- MahaSimhastha Kumbh Mela 2027
- Initiative
- MahaSimhastha Ganesh Mandal Challenge
- Organizing Body
- Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA)
- Proposed Themes
- Seven, including Kumbh and Amrit's spiritual significance, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar heritage, and a green, sustainable Kumbh
- Main Award Categories
- Five, each with a proposed prize of ₹2 lakh
- Jury's Special Recognition
- Proposed prize of ₹5 lakh for originality
- Registration Deadline
- September 10, 2026
- Meeting Venue
- District Collector's Office, Nashik