Simhastha — Ujjain's Kumbh Mela — comes once every twelve years, when Jupiter enters Leo. The next one is in 2028, and it will bring crores of pilgrims to the banks of the Shipra. If you intend to go, the time to plan is now.
Simhastha 2028 dates
The mela is scheduled from 27 March to 27 May 2028. The three principal Shahi (Amrit) Snan dates announced so far are:
- 9 April 2028 — Chaitra Purnima
- 23/24 April 2028 — Vaishakh Amavasya (sources differ by a day; confirm closer to the date)
- 8 May 2028 — Vaishakh Purnima
Several other parva snan (auspicious bathing) days fall between them. Exact dates are fixed by the administration and the akharas, so check official announcements before you book travel.
What a Shahi Snan day is like
On a Shahi Snan, the akharas process to the ghats in order of precedence and bathe first; ordinary pilgrims bathe after. Roads near the ghats close to vehicles, and you may walk several kilometres from the parking zones. It is unforgettable, and exhausting — plan rest days around it.
Where to stay
Hotels across Ujjain and even Indore book out a year or more ahead, and prices multiply. Options will include hotels, dharamshalas, tent cities set up for the mela, and stays in Indore with a daily drive. The earlier you hold a room, the more choice you have.
Practical tips
- Avoid the Shahi Snan days themselves if you travel with elderly parents or small children — the days in between are calmer.
- Carry ID, cash and a charged phone; networks slow down in crowds.
- Fix a meeting point with your group in case you are separated.
- Mahakal darshan queues will be very long through the mela — budget a full day for it.
More about the mela: our Simhastha Kumbh page.