Nashik: 6,233 Devotees Perform Godavari Aarti In President Murmu’s Presence, Set World Record

Nashik witnessed a remarkable spectacle on the banks of the Godavari River as President Droupadi Murmu performed the Maha Goda Aarti on Saturday, Oct 31. The event inaugurated the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela and brought together 6,233 devotees for a Guinness World Record. Amid Vedic chants, President Murmu conducted the pujan in the company of saints and mahants, while thousands of lamps illuminated the riverfront, creating an atmosphere of spiritual elevation.

Social inclusiveness was a notable aspect of the ceremony, with approximately 6,500 tribal participants from 650 villages across seven Nashik district talukas actively engaging in the collective worship. Their involvement underscored the substantial role tribal communities play in India's cultural and spiritual legacy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other prominent dignitaries emphasized the importance of retaining traditional values and fostering social harmony during the event.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu shared her concerns for drought-stricken farmers, promising support from both Central and State governments while safeguarding their dignity. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma also delivered prayers for an end to drought conditions in Maharashtra, wishing farmers prosperity and happiness. The ceremony thus blended spiritual devotion with a message of compassion, environmental responsibility, and concern for the farming community.

The Maha Goda Aarti set a Guinness World Record by uniting 6,233 devotees in performing the aarti simultaneously at Ramteerth. This achievement followed Nashik's record-setting conch players event on Oct 25, where 517 performers simultaneously produced Shankhnaad. With two world records in seven days, Nashik has established itself as a center for religious and cultural celebrations ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

The event was organized by the Ramteerth Goda Aarti Committee under the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority, showcasing the city's spiritual heritage, cultural identity, and collective strength.