6,233 devotees perform Godavari aarti at Ramtirth in Nashik, second Guinness record in a week

Nashik, October 31, 2026: Nashik has entered the Guinness World Records for the second time within a week. On Saturday, 6,233 devotees performed the Godavari aarti together at Ramtirth. President Droupadi Murmu was present at the grand ceremony. The event was part of a flag-hoisting programme held in preparation for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Maha Kumbh 2027.

Thousands of devotees, saints and people from tribal communities gathered at the event. The riverbank turned into a large celebration of faith and cultural heritage. About 6,500 tribal people from 650 villages in seven talukas of Nashik district took part.

The mass aarti was organised by the Ramtirth Goda Aarti Samiti under the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority, with guidance from Maharashtra Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan.

President Murmu performed Godavari puja and watched the aarti in the presence of saints and religious leaders. Thousands of lamps lit up the riverbank, accompanied by collective chanting and traditional prayers.

Second world record in seven days: Earlier, on October 25, 2026, 517 conch players had blown conches together at Ramtirth, setting the first world record. According to the organisers, meticulous planning and coordination went into preparing the mass aarti through the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority and the Ramtirth Goda Aarti Samiti. Tribal communities from 650 villages were included.

Tribal participation: The presence of about 6,500 people from tribal-majority areas of the district was a highlight of the ceremony. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spoke of the contribution of tribal communities in preserving India's Sanatan cultural traditions. The participation also showed the role of indigenous communities in keeping alive traditions linked to nature. People from different social and cultural backgrounds came together, highlighting the role of religious traditions in social harmony and unity.

Concern over drought: The drought in several parts of Maharashtra was also raised at the ceremony. In her address, President Murmu referred to the challenge of extreme weather across the world and said drought had affected people, especially farmers, in Maharashtra and other parts of the country. She expressed confidence that the Centre and state governments would provide the necessary help to farmers and other affected citizens and look after their dignity and welfare.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma also prayed for relief from the drought. He expressed hope that Godavari's blessings would bring prosperity to Maharashtra and improve farmers' lives. He prayed for happiness to return to the state's farming communities and for Maharashtra to become prosperous again and fertile in agriculture.

Emphasis on protecting the Godavari: The programme also underlined the importance of saving the Godavari, which is religiously, culturally and economically vital for Nashik and Maharashtra. The President appealed to citizens to make sustained efforts, individually and collectively, for protecting the environment. She expressed confidence that the coming Simhastha Maha Kumbh would set an example in cleanliness and waste management through better arrangements and public participation.

With two Guinness World Records in seven days, Nashik's preparations for the Simhastha Maha Kumbh 2027 have won international recognition. The mass aarti on the Godavari bank brought together religious traditions, public participation and the cultural contribution of tribal communities.