Held once every twelve years when Jupiter enters Leo — Simha — the Simhastha Kumbh brings millions of sadhus and pilgrims to the banks of the Shipra. It is one of the four Kumbh Melas, alongside Haridwar, Prayagraj and Nashik, and one of the largest gatherings of human beings anywhere on the planet.
The Shahi Snan
The royal bath is the heart of it. The akharas process to the water in order of precedence, ash-covered Naga sadhus at the front, and the city turns into a sea of colour and sound that does not stop for weeks.
If you plan to go
The next Simhastha falls in 2028. Accommodation across Ujjain and as far as Indore books out roughly a year in advance, and rates multiply. Tented camps near the ghats are the traditional answer and need booking earliest of all.
Tell us your dates as soon as you have them and we will hold a stay — this is the one trip where planning eleven months out is not excessive.
- FrequencyOnce every 12 years
- Main ritualShahi Snan (royal bath)
- LocationShipra ghats, Ujjain
- ScaleMillions of pilgrims
Tip — Planning a Kumbh visit? Stays book out months ahead — enquire early.
Frequently asked
When is the next Simhastha Kumbh in Ujjain?
2028. Accommodation books out roughly a year in advance.
