MUMBAI: State’s Skill Development Department launched short-term courses in Puja Vidhi and Paurohit services in Nashik in view of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela scheduled to be held in 2027. The primary objective of the initiative is to prepare trained manpower for Puja Vidhi, Paurohit services and other religious practices that will be required on a large scale during the Mela in Nashik.The idea was conceptualised by the minister for skill development, employment, entrepreneurship and innovation, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, under which a 21-day workshop has been organised. The workshop will commence on December 16 at Shri Swami Akhandanand Veda Vedang Sanskrit College in Nashik. The 21-day training programme will include the scriptural and scientific significance of the Kumbh Mela, Simhastha Puja Vidhi, penance, chanting and sacred bathing practices at pilgrimage centres, recitation of Shanti Sukta, Vedic and Puranic methods of worship, Godavari Puja, Dashavidhi Snan, Vishnu Puja, Gau-Daan and Tarpan rituals. The curriculum has been designed to ensure that participants gain both scriptural knowledge and hands-on practical experience required while performing rituals.This short-term certificate course will be implemented jointly by the skill department and Kavi Kulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek. The course duration is one month, with a total of 45 hours of training. It is divided into four phases, with 25 marks allotted to each phase. Assessment will be conducted through weekly oral examinations and multiple-choice questions. Certificates will be awarded to successful candidates based on their examination performance and attendance.Lodha said, “…Through this workshop, participants will gain knowledge of Vedic and Puranic traditions, their significance, the scripturally prescribed methods of worship of deities, and correct pronunciation. This knowledge will also open up new employment opportunities for them. ….this initiative will serve as an effective model of skill development while simultaneously contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage.“
