NASHIK (Maharashtra), July 29, 2013:  Western Indian state of Maharashtra is gearing up for the historic 'Kumbh mela' at Nashik, a Hindu ceremony expected to be participated by hundreds of thousands of people in 2015.

Government sources said projects worth Rs510 million (US$8.63 million) have been sanctioned under the tourism development programme for the festival where believers gather to bathe in a sacred river, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

The event is held at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar every 12 years during which mahants (religious superiors), seers and devotees assemble from all across the country.

Tourism Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said to prevent incidents of landslides at the famous Saptshrungi temple at Nanduri near Nashik, work for rock fall protection will start soon.

A skywalk in Nanduri, a ropeway from Saptshrungi temple to Markendeya hill and a road linking Shivalaya lake will be constructed as part of the plans.

Construction works on various ring-roads that link national and state highways of 466km will also be carried out.

Nashik civic authorities will widen ghats on the banks of River Godavari to improve facilities for pilgrims taking part in the 'Kumbh-Mela'.

Source: bernama.com.my, DT. July 29, 2013.