The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has imposed a two-month prohibition on the entry of devotees, residents, and vehicles into the northern zone of the Ramkund area, effective from Saturday until July 16. This measure is intended to facilitate ongoing infrastructure works being carried out in preparation for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Scope of the Restriction
The restriction covers the stretch from Holkar Bridge onwards in the northern section of the historic Ramkund. Extensive construction and beautification activities are underway under the ₹111-crore Ram Kal Path project, which aims to enhance the riverfront and ghats along the Godavari River.
A senior NMC officer stated, "The works related to the development of the ₹111-crore Ram Kal Path are being carried out at a fast pace to ensure completion before the flag-hoisting ceremony scheduled in October 2026. For this reason, the northern areas of Ramkund, starting from the Holkar Bridge, will be completely out of bounds for people, pilgrims, and vehicles until the work is finished."
Reason for the Ban
The decision was taken to ensure the timely and safe completion of the riverfront development and ghat beautification works along the Godavari. This site is of immense religious significance, where pilgrims take holy dips during the Kumbh Mela and perform asthi vilay (immersion of ashes). The civic body aims to complete all projects before the flag-hoisting ceremony scheduled for October 2026.
The order was issued by NMC Commissioner Manisha Khatri following a meeting with the Nashik Purohit Sangh, led by its president Chandrashekhar Panchakshari. With the northern bank closed, authorities and priests have made alternative arrangements for daily rituals.
Alternative Arrangements for Rituals
According to Panchakshari, "According to our beliefs, we do not cross the river before the 10th-day rituals are completed, which is why these rituals are traditionally carried out on both the northern and southern banks. While the dome constructed in the southern area remains open, the northern side has been closed. Therefore, we will now be performing the rituals at the Old Vegetable Market and Yashwant Maharaj Patangan on either side of the Godavari."
He added that while initial rites will be conducted at these temporary locations, the final asthi vilay will continue at the main Ramkund.
Satish Shukla, former president of the Sangh, mentioned that the organisation has requested the NMC to provide waterproof sheds and basic facilities at the new venues to prevent inconvenience to devotees during the monsoon while performing last rites.
