A grand Godavari Maha Aarti in Nashik drew attention on Saturday, October 31, as thousands gathered along the riverbanks for an attempt to enter the Guinness World Records. The ceremony was organised as part of the opening celebrations of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela, bringing together tribal communities from across the district.
Thousands of lamps illuminated the riverbanks as the ceremony unfolded amid chants and conch sounds. Representatives from Guinness World Records were also present to oversee the record attempt. An official confirmation of the record is awaited. The Simhastha Kumbh Mela was formally inaugurated with a flag-hoisting ceremony at Ramkund in Nashik and Kushavarta Tirtha in Trimbakeshwar. The ceremony was organised in collaboration with local religious and community organisations. Beyond the Guinness record attempt, the Maha Aarti was also intended to highlight tribal traditions and the relationship between communities and nature. The initiative also aimed to encourage people to protect local rivers, lakes and other traditional water sources, and prevent water pollution.
Held around the Ramkund and Godaghat areas, the event saw around 6,500 participants from 650 tribal villages take part in the ritual. President Droupadi Murmu attended the celebrations in Nashik on October 31. The Maha Aarti was held at 4 pm, with thousands of lamps lit along the riverbanks, according to NDTV Profit. The event was part of the wider preparations for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is held once every 12 years.
Preparations had been underway for nearly three months, with participants receiving training to perform the aarti in coordination, according to a report by Asianet News Marathi. A report by Loksatta said the organisers wanted to promote social harmony and raise awareness about the conservation of the Godavari.
