CM Fadnavis in Nashik for Kumbh 2027 prep as Nagpur eases curfew

Nashik: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis visited Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik on Sunday to oversee preparations for the Nashik Kumbh Mela 2027, while the state continues to grapple with the aftermath of the March 17 Nagpur violence. The visit included a high-level meeting with officials to discuss infrastructure planning, security, and crowd management for the massive religious gathering, expected to draw millions of devotees.

Fadnavis’s tour began with an on-ground inspection of Trimbakeshwar, where he assessed geographical and logistical aspects critical to handling the massive influx of pilgrims. The main Amrit Snan of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela is scheduled between July and October 2027, making this visit an essential step in ensuring seamless preparations. Later, he held a review meeting at Niyojan Bhawan, Nashik district collectorate, to discuss infrastructure upgrades, sanitation, and transport facilities.

While Maharashtra pushes ahead with Kumbh Mela planning, the state remains on high alert following the violence in Nagpur, which erupted over rumors of a holy chadar being burnt. As of March 22, authorities have lifted curfews in multiple areas, including Pachpavali, Shantinagar, Lakadganj, Sakkardara, and Imamwada, while easing restrictions in Kotwali, Tehsil, and Ganeshpeth police station limits between 7 PM and 10 PM. However, curfew remains in effect in Yashodharanagar police limits.

CM Fadnavis, who also serves as Maharashtra’s Home Minister, held a high-level security meeting in Nagpur, where he confirmed that 92 arrests had been made in connection with the riots. The violence, which involved stone pelting and arson, allegedly stemmed from social media misinformation. The CM clarified that Aurangzeb’s tomb was set on fire that day, not a holy religious artifact, but false reports triggered violent protests and destruction of property.

With millions expected to attend Nashik Kumbh Mela, security concerns have become a top priority. The Nagpur riots have underscored the importance of misinformation control, rapid response policing, and strategic crowd management ahead of one of India's largest religious gatherings.

Fadnavis commended the police for controlling the Nagpur unrest within hours but emphasized that strict measures would be taken against rioters, including property seizures and bulldozer action to recover damage costs. Similar security frameworks are expected to be implemented in Nashik, ensuring that large-scale events remain peaceful and well-managed.

As Maharashtra prepares for both a historic pilgrimage and ongoing security challenges, the government's dual focus on religious event management and maintaining law and order remains under scrutiny. With Kumbh 2027 planning in full swing and Nagpur returning to normalcy, Fadnavis’s leadership will be crucial in navigating both spiritual and security concerns across the state.