{
  "id": 17377895,
  "title": "Simhastha Kumbh Celebrations Begin Amid Vedic Chants & Conch Shells In Nashik; President Droupadi Murmu Present",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/simhastha-kumbh-celebrations-begin-amid-vedic-chants-conch-shells-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T08:48:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/simhastha-kumbh-celebrations-begin-amid-vedic-chants-conch-shells-in-nashik-president-droupadi-murmu-present"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nashik witnessed the beginning of the historic Simhastha Kumbh Mela on Saturday, with President Droupadi Murmu hoisting the saffron religious flag at Ramtirtha. The grand ceremony took place on the sacred banks of the Godavari, accompanied by Vedic mantras and the resounding echoes of conch shells. The flag-hoisting ceremony, performed by the President, marked the commencement of the 2026-28 Simhastha Kumbh Parva, which will continue until July 24, 2028. The festival will see devout devotees from across India and abroad gather to partake in the traditional rituals, upholding the sanctity of India's ancient religious traditions and Vedic culture. The flag, featuring auspicious symbols such as the Amrit Kalash, Omkar, and Shri, carries spiritual significance, symbolizing immortality, positivity, victory, and social unity.",
  "summary": "Nashik: The sacred banks of the Godavari, the chanting of Vedic mantras, the resounding echoes of conch shells and the gathering of saints and mahants marked a historic moment in Nashik on Saturday. At a grand ceremony at Ramtirtha, President Droupadi Murmu hoisted the saffron religious flag, formally heralding the beginning of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Against the backdrop…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express - India",
        "title": "President Droupadi Murmu hoists religious flag, formally opens Nashik Kumbh Mela",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/president-droupadi-murmu-hoists-religious-flag-formally-opens-nashik",
        "published": "2026-10-31T11:15:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}