{
  "id": 17391100,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T11:15:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express - India",
    "slug": "the-indian-express-india",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nashik-kumbh-mela-flag-hoisting-president-droupadi-murmu-10944919/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On the banks of the sacred Godavari River, President Droupadi Murmu hoisted the religious flag, officially inaugurating the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The ceremony, held at Ramtirtha, featured Vedic mantras and conch shells, drawing thousands of devotees, saints, and politicians. Murmu first performed a ritual offering, followed by worshipping the Godavari River and the flag itself. Accompanied by priest Satish Shukla and Chandrashekhar Panchakshari, she raised the flag, which now symbolizes the connection between ancient traditions and the present day. The flag's design features symbols like the nectar pot, Omkar, Shri, and religious icons to represent immortality, positivity, victory, unity, and the divine. With Jupiter entering the Leo zodiac sign, the auspicious timing of the flag's raising holds astrological significance. As preparations unfold, authorities are ensuring the safety and smooth conduct of the 21-month-long event, which will conclude in July 2028.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Press Journal",
        "title": "Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2026 Begins: President Droupadi Murmu Hoists Religious Flag At Nashik's Ramkund, CM Fadnavis Performs Rituals In Trimbakeshwar |VIDEOS",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/simhastha-kumbh-mela-2026-begins-president-droupadi-murmu-hoists",
        "published": "2026-10-31T07:22:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}