2027
Nashik Kumbh Mela
Held once every twelve years on the banks of the Godavari near Kushavarta Kund — the next one falls in 2027.
Godavari
Open
Ujjain · Madhya Pradesh
Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2028
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela runs from 9 April to 9 May 2028 on the banks of the Shipra — one of India's largest religious gatherings, in one of its seven sacred cities.
Simhastha 2028
What is the Simhastha Kumbh Mela?
The Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2028 — the Simhastha Kumbh Mela — is scheduled from 9 April to 9 May 2028 in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. This sacred Hindu pilgrimage is one of India's largest religious gatherings, attracting millions of devotees and spiritual seekers worldwide.
The Simhastha occurs every 12 years when Jupiter, Brihaspati, enters Leo, Simha — a rare astrological alignment that makes the Ujjain mela unique among the four. During the month-long festival, pilgrims perform holy bathing rituals in the Shipra River, believed to cleanse sins and grant moksha.
Why Ujjain, and what the festival holds
Ujjain, one of India's seven sacred cities — the Sapta Puri — becomes a spiritual epicentre during the mela. The Simhastha holds immense religious, cultural and social significance, uniting millions in devotion and collective spiritual consciousness, and offering pilgrims divine blessings, charitable activity and profound spiritual experience.
- Sacred bathing ceremonies at the Shipra River ghats
- Grand processions by the Akharas, the Hindu monastic orders
- Spiritual discourses by renowned saints and religious leaders
- Mass aarti ceremonies and devotional music performances
- Cultural programmes celebrating India's spiritual heritage
Dates
Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2028 dates
- Start date 9 April 2028
- End date 9 May 2028
- Duration 30 days
- Location Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India
Getting there
How to reach the Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2028
By train
Ujjain Junction connects to major Indian cities with frequent services. Local taxis and auto-rickshaws reach the mela grounds in about an hour.
By air
Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore, is the nearest at 55 km, with regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other cities. Taxis take 90–120 minutes from Indore.
By road
Direct bus services operate from neighbouring cities to Ujjain bus stand, with taxis and rickshaws for the final stretch to the venue.
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: Bernard Gagnon (CC BY-SA 3.0), Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium (CC BY 2.0), Assassin's Chow (CC BY 4.0), Ashverse (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.
Plan your Ujjain pilgrimage
With preparations already under way for Simhastha 2028, book accommodation and travel early to be sure of a comfortable pilgrimage at this once-in-twelve-years event.
The four sites
The other Kumbh Melas
2027
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
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
Ujjain Kumbh Mela, answered
Not covered here? Call reservations or send an enquiry — someone who has actually been there will answer.
When is the Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2028?
From 9 April to 9 May 2028 — thirty days in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
What is the Simhastha Kumbh Mela?
The name for the Ujjain Kumbh. It occurs every 12 years when Jupiter, Brihaspati, enters Leo, Simha — the alignment that makes the Ujjain mela unique among the four.
Which river is it held on?
The Shipra. Pilgrims perform holy bathing rituals at the Shipra River ghats, believed to cleanse sins and grant moksha.
How do I reach Ujjain?
Ujjain Junction connects to major cities by rail. The nearest airport is Indore, 55 km away, about 90 to 120 minutes by taxi. Direct buses run from neighbouring cities.
When should I book?
Early. Unprecedented visitor numbers are expected at Simhastha 2028, and accommodation near the ghats is the first to go.
Plan your Ujjain 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.