Simhastha Kumbh Mela, the largest congregation of faith in the world, began today with the traditional ceremony of hoisting of flags and thousands of people taking a holy dip in Kushawart and Ramkund in Godavari river in the two towns.

In Trimbakeshwar, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and state Women and Child Welfare minister Pankaja Munde presided over the ceremony as chief guests while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presided over the ceremony at Nashik.

The festival, known as the largest peaceful gathering, occurs once in 12 years as per Hindu calendar and is marked by participation of 'sadhus' from different denominations (akhadas), and lakhs of devotees. Kumbh is also known for the religious pomp and colourful processions.

The festival will last for almost a year, according to a release issued by the Trimbakeshwar Purohit Sangh.

"This is not a common dip but the dip of immense faith which washes away all the evils and brings good luck," said Jayant Shikhre, chairman of the Sangh.

On the occasion of flag-hoisting at Trimbakeshwar, a Naval chopper showered rose petals on the sea of humanity that has gathered for the mega event.

After the ceremony, thousands of people who have come here from different parts of the country took a dip at Kushavart teerth (pond) located near the temple of lord Shiva.

The dates for shahi snan (royal bath), when seers of various 'akharas' take dip in river in large numbers through procession, in Trimbakeshwar are August 29, September 13 and 25. Nearly three lakh sadhus are expected to be in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar for the religious gathering.

Around 80 lakh to one crore people are expected to be in Nashik during the three auspicious days of 'Shahi Snan' and around 25-30 lakh in Trimbakeshwar.

Nashik-Trimbakeshwar host Kumbh Mela when the Sun and Jupiter come together in leo ('Simha') zodiac sign in the month of Magh as per the Hindu calendar.

Security has been strengthened for the event in both the towns while the district administration has laid new roads for the movement of pilgrims going towards the river and those returning after the holy dip. Additional 'ghats' have been built to avoid crowding at Ramkund in Nashik.

Kumbh Mela is held at Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayag), Nashik and Ujjain. According to the Hindu mythology, the drops of nectar fell from the 'kumbha' (pitcher) carried by gods (produced after the sea was churned) at these four places, and bathing in the river in these places during this period is considered to 'cleanse' all the sins.