Simhastha Kumbh Mela — Ujjain
The Jyotirlinga-city Kumbh, once in 12 years
Significance
The 2028 Simhastha is only the second Kumbh Mela at Ujjain in a decade (previous was 2016). Ujjain is the site of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 holiest Shiva shrines.
Ujjain's turn in the great rotating Kumbh. Pilgrims bathe at Ram Ghat on the Shipra river, and thousands gather at the Mahakaleshwar temple for the 4 AM Bhasma Aarti — the only one of its kind in India. Held when Jupiter enters Leo (Simha rashi).
First-time visitor
Book a non-Shahi weekday, bathe at Ram Ghat at dawn, queue for the 4 AM Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar.
What to see
- Shahi Snan at Ram Ghat on ~3 key dates
- Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar at 4 AM
- Akhara processions of Naga sadhus
- Peshwai (grand arrival) of the akharas
Festival foods
Best for
Travel tips
- 1April–May is hot — 40°C+; hydrate constantly
- 2The exact 2028 Shahi Snan dates will be announced by MP govt
- 3Indore (55 km) is the nearest major airport
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Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain
Madhya Pradesh
South-facing Shiva shrine on the Rudra Sagar in ancient Avanti. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and the only one with a Swayambhu (self-manifested) lingam. The 4 a.m. Bhasma Aarti is the draw — no other major Indian temple opens the day by bathing the lingam in cremation-ground ash.
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Questions & Answers
About Simhastha Kumbh Mela — Ujjain
Simhastha Kumbh Mela — Ujjain 2028 is scheduled for 9 Apr – 28 May 2028. That's 665 days from today.
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