NASHIK, Nov. 1 -- President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday expressed concern over drought conditions in parts of the country, including Maharashtra, as she attended the official commencement of the 21-month-long Simhastha Kumbh Mela at Ramkund in Nashik and Kushavarta Tirth in Trimbakeshwar. Addressing a gathering on the banks of the Godavari at Ramkund, Murmu said people across the world were facing hardships due to extreme climatic conditions. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, and governor Jishnu Dev Varma were also present. "In our country, people, especially the farmers' fraternity, are distressed following drought in some regions, including Maharashtra. Both the Union and the state governments are working overtime to mitigate the sufferings of those impacted by drought, including the farmers and provide necessary assistance to them," said the President. Murmu also stressed the need to protect the environment and maintain cleanliness. "My appeal to the people of the country is that they must both individually and collectively work to preserve the environment. I am confident that the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh would set a new benchmark by integrating environmental conservation, cleanliness and effective waste management," she said. Lauding Maharashtra's economic development, Murmu described the state as an industrial powerhouse. "Maharashtra's contribution to the country's total industrial production is about 15%. At present, India is the world's fastest-growing major economy. Behind this success lies a very significant contribution from Maharashtra," she said. Chief minister Fadnavis said the large-scale infrastructure projects being implemented for the Kumbh would transform Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. "I am sure that the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela will be grand and divine. The projects will completely transform the landscape of Nashik and Trimbakeshwar," he said. Earlier in the day, Murmu ceremonially hoisted the Dharma Dhwaj (sacred flag) at Ramkund, while Fadnavis hoisted the flag at Kushavarta Tirth in Trimbakeshwar. The two pilgrimage centres wore a festive look for the occasion. Ramkund and Kushavarta Tirth were decked with colourful flowers, while hundreds of saffron flags lined the streets of Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. Hoardings welcoming the president dotted Nashik city. Sadhus and local residents gathered in large numbers at both venues to witness the ceremonies, with separate enclosures set up for religious leaders, elected representatives, the media and devotees. Priests began the religious rituals well before the scheduled flag hoisting. Murmu and Fadnavis performed customary puja, including the worship of the flagpoles and flags, before hoisting them. As the flags went up, devotees blew conch shells and raised chants of "Jai Shri Ram" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai". Security was tight at Ramkund for the President's visit, with more than 3,500 police personnel deployed in the area. Nashik police commissioner Sandeep Karnik personally supervised the arrangements. The flag hoisting marked the official commencement of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. Kumbh Mela authorities estimate that 120 million devotees will visit the two locations, with the bulk of the footfall expected between July and September next year, when the three Shahi Snans (royal baths) are scheduled. Murmu also offered prayers at the Godavari temple. The President unveiled the official Kumbh Mela song and website and released special postage stamps featuring Ram Tirtha in Nashik and Kushavarta Tirtha in Trimbakeshwar. Sadhus from the three Vaishnav Akhadas attended the flag-hoisting ceremony at Ramkund, while representatives of the 10 Shaiva Akhadas were present at Kushavarta Tirth in Trimbakeshwar. By nightfall, both Ramkund and Kushavarta Tirth were illuminated with multicoloured decorative lights, adding to the festive atmosphere. As many as 6,233 tribal participants, including women, performed a Maha Aarti on the banks of the Godavari at Ramkund in the evening in the presence of Murmu and other dignitaries. The event was organised as part of the commencement celebrations of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The event entered the Guinness World Records, with the organisation's representative, Rishikesh Nag, announcing the achievement at the venue....