The Kumbh Mela in Nashik (Maharashtra) is organized once every 12 years on the sacred banks of the Godavari River, near the holy Kushavarta Kund. The Nashik Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu festival and is considered the largest gathering of humanity at one place in the world. The upcoming Kumbh Mela will be held in Nashik in 2027. During this grand religious event, millions of devotees and tourists are expected to visit the city. The Nashik Kumbh Mela dates fall between 31 October 2026 and 24 July 2028. Prominent locations in Nashik such as Panchvati, Trambakeshwar, and surrounding areas will be crowded with pilgrims and spiritual seekers. This Kumbh Mela will be celebrated after a gap of 12 years.
The sacred Godavari River flows through Nashik and holds immense religious importance. It is revered as the Dakshina Ganga, meaning the Ganga of the South. During the Kumbh Mela, devotees and visitors take a holy dip in the Godavari River as part of the sacred rituals. For this reason, the event is also known as the Nashik Maha Kumbh Mela. The tradition of taking a holy dip has been followed for centuries and is believed to cleanse all sins and grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
The upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik will be a magnificent spiritual spectacle. Various Akharas will arrive in the city during this period. Akharas are religious sects consisting of Sadhus, Sanyasis, and holy men, who gather in large numbers for the Kumbh Mela. They usually march while chanting religious slogans, accompanied by drums and the rhythmic sounds of cymbals. Witnessing the grand procession of these Akharas during the Nashik Kumbh Mela is a memorable experience for devotees and tourists alike.
Nashik Kumbh Mela
Shahi Snan: This is the most important ritual bath taken by the Sadhus and Akharas. They are given the first right to bathe in the Godavari River. The dates of the Shahi Snan are fixed according to astrological calculations.
Kalpavas: Kalpavas is a spiritual practice that involves fasting, meditation, and living a disciplined life focused on devotion and self-purification.
Bathing in Ram Kund: Ram Kund is a sacred tank where Lord Ram is believed to have bathed during his exile in Nashik. Devotees take a ritual bath in Ram Kund during the Kumbh Mela.
Aarti: The evening aarti is a divine ritual performed on the banks of the Godavari River. Priests chant hymns while holding lit lamps, and hundreds of devotees participate by singing prayers together.
Procession of the Akharas: Numerous Akharas participate in grand processions during the Kumbh Mela. Each Akhara carries its own flag and represents a distinct religious sect. These processions lead to the Shahi Snan and are one of the highlights of the festival.
Pind Daan: This sacred ritual is performed for the peace and salvation of ancestors. Devotees stand in the Godavari River and offer Pind Daan, believing that their ancestors receive food, prayers, and blessings through this ritual.
Annakoot: Annakoot is a charitable activity where food, clothing, and meals are distributed to the poor and needy during the Kumbh Mela.
Train: Trains are available from major cities across India to Nashik Road Railway Station. From the station, the Kumbh Mela venues can be reached within 20–30 minutes by bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw.
Flight: The nearest international airport to Nashik is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. From Mumbai, Nashik can be reached by bus, cab, or train.
Road: Nashik is well connected by road. Visitors can reach Nashik Bus Stand by bus or cab and then take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the Kumbh Mela venues.
Note: The most recent Maha Kumbh Mela was held in 2025, and the next Kumbh Mela is scheduled to take place in Nashik in 2027.
