Nashik (Maharashtra) [India], August 4 (ANI): International outreach through Davos 2027, the possibility of securing UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition for the heritage precincts of Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, and a host of cultural initiatives for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 were among the key issues discussed during a review meeting chaired by Dr Kiran Kulkarni, Secretary, Marathi Language and Cultural Affairs Department, at the headquarters of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) on Monday. NTKMA Commissioner Shekhar Singh, senior officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other concerned officers attended the meeting.

The meeting deliberated on a range of cultural programming initiatives aimed at strengthening the identity and global visibility of Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. Among the proposals discussed were international outreach through Davos 2027, the Har Ghar Kumbh campaign, Maharashtra Spiritual Thought Leadership programmes, spiritual and knowledge conclaves, and the establishment of a world-class Simhastha Interpretation and Experience Centre to showcase the history, traditions and spiritual significance of the Kumbh Mela.

Discussions were also held on initiating the process for securing UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition for the heritage precincts of Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. The meeting further deliberated on developing a Kalagram to showcase Maharashtra's traditional handicrafts, folk and tribal arts, and cultural heritage in collaboration with the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) and the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC). Cultural programming and curation for the proposed Godavari Pandal in Nashik and Ahilya Pandal in Trimbakeshwar also figured prominently in the discussions.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of conservation, restoration and development works being undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India at key heritage sites in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar ahead of Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. These include Sangam Tirth & Old Kushavarta, Naroshankar Temple, Kashi Vishweshwar Temple, Gautameshwar Temple, Mukundeshwar Temple and Tank, Prayag Tirth, Bilwa Tank and Temple, Chakhoba Temple, Sundarnarayan Temple & Ghat, Indra Kund, Balaji Kot Wall, Gautam Talav, Ajgareshwar Samadhi, Talkuteshwar and Modkeshwar Temples, and Kushavarta Kund and its surroundings (Phase II & III) at Trimbakeshwar.

Reviewing the progress of these projects, Dr Kulkarni stressed the need to complete all ongoing works within the stipulated timelines without compromising on quality. He directed the concerned agencies to strengthen coordination, address implementation bottlenecks expeditiously and ensure that all conservation works are completed well ahead of Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. (ANI)