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NASHIK, INDIA, July 20, 2003: Over the coming months, seven million pilgrims will re-live the ancient ritual of traveling to the Maharashtra town of Nashik for the Kumbh Mela. At exactly 11.51 AM on July 30, 2003, as the Sun and Jupiter enter the constellation of Leo, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims will plunge into the Godavari, just as their spiritual forefathers have done for centuries to celebrate Kumbh Parva.



Nashik has never experienced anything on the scale of this year’s preparations. The last Kumbh (1991-92), saw an investment of about US$4.5 million. This time, the figure is closer to US$97 million and provides for upgraded roads and new water/sewage systems. Trimbakeshwar, located 30 km away from Nashik and the source of Godavari, has similarly benefitted from the funding and has included a 25-acre Sadhu Gram for the expected holy men. In Nashik, 103 acres have been utilized as accommodations for the expected 250,000 sadhus.



The Kumbh period extends from 11:51 am on July 30, 2003, to 11:49 pm on August 27, 2004. The flag hoisting ceremony will be held on July 30; the Shahi Snans will be held at Nashik on August 17, August 27 and September 1, and at Trimbakeshwar on August 12, August 27 and September 7. The concluding ceremony will be held on August 27, 2004

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