August 17, 27 and September 1 are the auspicious dates for a holy dip in the Godavari river at Nashik. August 12, 27 and September 7 are the dates for the holy dip in Trimbakeshwar, which is nearly 300 km north of Mumbai.
But this year's Mela has had its share of controversy. Thirteen religious schools of priests warned they might boycott the holy dip to protest a government decision to acquire property belonging to temple trusts.
A sadhu blows a conch to welcome the festival.
Photograph: Sebastian D'Souza/AFP/Getty Images
