2027
Haridwar Kumbh Mela
On the banks of the Ganga at Har Ki Pauri, in the city known as the gateway to the Himalayas.
Ganga
Open
Nashik · Maharashtra
Nashik Kumbh Mela
Once every twelve years on the sacred banks of the Godavari, near the holy Kushavarta Kund. The next Nashik Kumbh Mela falls in 2027.
The gathering
The largest gathering of humanity in one place
The Kumbh Mela in Nashik, Maharashtra, is organised once every 12 years on the sacred banks of the Godavari River, near the holy Kushavarta Kund. It is a major Hindu festival and is considered the largest gathering of humanity at one place in the world.
The upcoming mela will be held in Nashik in 2027, and millions of devotees and tourists are expected. The Nashik Kumbh Mela dates fall between 31 October 2026 and 24 July 2028. Prominent locations such as Panchvati and Trambakeshwar will be crowded with pilgrims and spiritual seekers.
A holy dip in the Godavari
The Godavari flows through Nashik and is revered as the Dakshina Ganga — the Ganga of the South. During the Kumbh Mela, devotees take a holy dip as part of the sacred rituals, which is why the event is also known as the Nashik Maha Kumbh Mela. The tradition has been followed for centuries and is believed to cleanse all sins and grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
The arrival of the Akharas
Various Akharas arrive in the city during this period. Akharas are religious sects of Sadhus, Sanyasis and holy men, who gather in large numbers for the mela. They march while chanting religious slogans, accompanied by drums and the rhythmic sound of cymbals. Witnessing the grand procession of the Akharas is a memorable experience for devotees and visitors alike.
What happens
Major rituals and events of the Kumbh Mela
Shahi Snan
The most important ritual bath, taken by the Sadhus and Akharas, who are given the first right to bathe in the Godavari. The dates are fixed by astrological calculation.
Kalpavas
A spiritual practice of fasting, meditation and disciplined living 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 here during the mela.
Aarti
The evening aarti on the banks of the Godavari. Priests chant hymns holding lit lamps, and hundreds of devotees join in prayer.
Procession of the Akharas
Each Akhara carries its own flag and represents a distinct religious sect. The processions lead to the Shahi Snan and are one of the highlights of the festival.
Pind Daan
Performed for the peace and salvation of ancestors. Devotees stand in the Godavari and make the offering, believing their ancestors receive food, prayers and blessings.
Annakoot
A charitable activity where food, clothing and meals are distributed to the poor and needy during the mela.
Getting there
How to reach Nashik for the 2027 Kumbh Mela
By train
Trains run from major cities across India to Nashik Road railway station. From there the mela venues are 20–30 minutes by bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw.
By air
The nearest international airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. From Mumbai, Nashik is reachable by bus, cab or train.
By road
Nashik is well connected by road. Reach Nashik bus stand by bus or cab, then take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the venues.
The most recent Maha Kumbh Mela was held in 2025. The next Kumbh Mela is scheduled to take place in Nashik in 2027.
Staying at the Kumbh
Where you sleep, and who arranges it
Accommodation at a Kumbh fills years ahead of the bathing dates, and the camps closest to the ghats go first. Adhvanta has planned and operated camps at the Nashik Kumbh and at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela in 2019 and 2025.
- Hotel and guesthouse bookings
- Tent accommodation close to the river and the bathing ghats
- Transport arrangements from the station or airport
- Guided pilgrimage tours
Gallery
At the ghats
Photographs: Mahi29 (CC BY-SA 4.0), Vallabhdhootwtn (CC BY-SA 4.0), Prashant Kharote (CC BY-SA 4.0), Yosarian (CC BY 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons.
The four sites
The other Kumbh Melas
2027
2028
Ujjain Kumbh Mela
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela on the Shipra — 9 April to 9 May 2028, thirty days in one of India's seven sacred cities.
Shipra
Open
2037
Prayagraj Kumbh Mela
The world's largest religious gathering, at the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Sarasvati. The next Maha Kumbh is 2037.
Triveni Sangam
Open
Questions
Nashik Kumbh Mela, answered
Not covered here? Call reservations or send an enquiry — someone who has actually been there will answer.
When is the next Nashik Kumbh Mela?
The next Nashik Kumbh Mela falls in 2027. The wider mela period runs between 31 October 2026 and 24 July 2028.
How often is the Kumbh Mela held in Nashik?
Once every twelve years.
Which river is the Nashik Kumbh Mela held on?
The Godavari, revered as the Dakshina Ganga — the Ganga of the South. The bathing takes place near the holy Kushavarta Kund.
What is the Shahi Snan?
The most important ritual bath of the mela, taken by the Sadhus and Akharas, who are given the first right to bathe. Its dates are fixed by astrological calculation.
How do I reach the mela grounds?
Nashik Road railway station is 20–30 minutes from the venues by bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw. The nearest airport is Mumbai, from where Nashik is reachable by bus, cab or train.
Plan your Nashik Kumbh
Tell us your dates and how many of you are travelling. We will come back with accommodation options and a written quote within 24 hours.