Ahead of the grand Shahi Snan, akhadas hoist flags

Kumbh Mela witnessed a crowd of thousands who had gathered for the flag hoisting ceremony of three major akhadas – Digambar Ani Akhada, Nirvani Ani Akhada and Nirmohi Ani Akhada, earlier this week. The event formally marked the beginning of the Kumbh Mela in Nashik. Several shrimahants, mantris, mahamantris, jagadgurus, politicians and other important Kumbh officials were present for the mega event along with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, president of BJP Amit Shah and mayor Ashok Murtada.
In his speech, Fadnavis said, “We warmly welcome all the pilgrims, sadhus and mahants to Nashik to mark the beginning of Kumbh Mela. We are extremely privileged that millions of people have gathered in Nashik to support and offer help in making this event a successful one. We want this mela to be remembered by all for centuries and to be praised for its outstanding service provided to the people. We are trying our best to offer the best service to all the sadhus and mahants to conduct this mega event efficiently.”
According to the customs, the president of Akhada Parishad is considered the host of the Kumbh Mela. Chief of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, who is also the head of the Akhada Parishad, Mahant Gyandas Maharaj, said, “All the guests gathered here have made the occasion even more auspicious with their presence. We want to give due respect to all the sadhus, mahants andKumbh officials on this stage.” In his speech, he also explained the mythological importance of Kumbh Mela and why Nashik is called Simhasthan of Kumbh Mela.
The official flag hoisting took place at 8.30 am. Shrimahant of the Digambar Akhada Ramkishordasji Shastri said, “Considering ours as the oldest akhada, it will be hoisted first, following which, the Nirvani Akhada and Nirmohi Akhada will hoist their respective flags.”
“Our flag is 25 ft x 10 ft in size with five colours — white, black, red, green and yellow and an emblem of Hanuman. Since the planet Earth and the human body are made up of five elements, the Digambar Akhada is represented by these five colours where white symbolises truth, black for the destruction of the enemy, red for bravery, green for peace and yellow for auspiciousness,” said Ramkishordasji Shastri. The other flags were Nirvani flag which was red in colour with an emblem of Lord Hanuman on it and Nirmohi flag was white coloured with an emblem of Lord Hanuman.