In a significant move to boost religious tourism and infrastructure, the Maharashtra state government has sanctioned a substantial sum of ₹36.4 crore for the upcoming grand Jain festival in Nashik district. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Major Boost for Pilgrimage Infrastructure
The funds are earmarked for the Panchkalyanak Pratishtha Mahotsav at the revered Namokar Tirth, a Jain religious site located near Malsane village in Chandwad taluka. The grand event is scheduled to be held between February 6 and February 25. According to officials, the festival is anticipated to draw an impressive crowd of over 10 lakh visitors from various parts of India and abroad.
The meeting saw the participation of key figures including Chandwad MLA Rahul Aher and Nashik divisional commissioner Praveen Gedam. Nashik collector Ayush Prasad joined the proceedings virtually, underscoring the importance of the project.
Comprehensive Development Plan Unveiled
Bhushan Kasliwal, an office-bearer for the festival and a Chandwad resident, detailed the extensive development plan. The allocated budget will be split into two major components:
- Permanent Infrastructure (₹24.3 crore): This includes constructing a concrete road leading to the Tirth, building a protective boundary wall, and establishing essential utilities like electricity and sanitation systems.
- Festival Organization (Over ₹12 crore): This covers temporary but crucial arrangements for the massive influx of devotees.
The scope of work is vast and designed to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for pilgrims. Key facilities planned are:
- A helipad for VIP access and emergency services.
- A boating facility for visitors.
- Spacious parking arrangements.
- Installation of 450 toilet blocks.
- Setting up water storage tanks.
- A network of CCTV cameras and a central control room for security.
- A temporary medical unit to handle health emergencies.
A Spiritual and Economic Hub in the Making
The Namokar Tirth is situated on a 40-acre plot along the busy Nashik-Dhule highway. The trust managing the site owns 27 acres, where the main Tirth, cottages, and core facilities are being developed. An additional 40 acres have been leased from local farmers to set up temporary accommodation for the festival attendees.
The spiritual highlight of the event will be the 'pran pratishtha' or consecration of 3,000 idols within the Samavasaran, the sanctum sanctorum of the Tirth.
Kasliwal emphasized the dual impact of this initiative. Beyond its religious significance, the project is set to generate considerable local employment during and after its construction phase. He expressed confidence that this development would establish Namokar Tirth as a premier religious centre for the Jain community not just in Maharashtra, but across the entire nation.
This state-backed investment marks a pivotal step in enhancing the region's pilgrimage infrastructure, promising long-term benefits for Nashik's spiritual tourism and local economy.
