A Divine Appointment: The Simhastha Kumbh
The gathering at Nashik is called ‘Simhastha’, a name that holds the key to its timing. It occurs when Brihaspati, the great Guru of the Devas (the planet Jupiter), enters the Simha Rashi (the zodiac sign of Leo). This celestial event, which happens only once every twelve years, bathes the earth in a unique spiritual energy, making the waters of the Godavari river potent with Amrit, the nectar of immortality.
After the great churning of the ocean, the Samudra Manthan, a few drops of the divine nectar fell upon four places in Bharat: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. When Jupiter enters Leo, the energies of that moment are rekindled, and the Godavari becomes a flowing stream of liberation.
The Amrit Snan (Holy Bath)
The heart of the Kumbh Mela beats strongest on the days of the Shahi Snan. These are the days when the great Akharas lead the procession to the river. To bathe at that time is to receive the highest blessing.
First Amrit Snan: 2nd August 2027
Monday, Ashadh Somvati Amavasya
This is the first royal bath that will officially begin the period of the most intense spiritual activity. An Amavasya (new moon) that falls on a Somvar (Monday) is in itself a very powerful day for spiritual practices, marking the grand opening for millions of pilgrims.
Second Amrit Snan: 31st August 2027
Tuesday, Shravan Amavasya
The month of Shravan is deeply auspicious, dedicated to Lord Shiva. An Amavasya during this month holds special significance. The energy on this day will be palpable, as countless chants and prayers echo through the ghats.
Third Amrit Snan: 11th & 12th September 2027
Bhadrapada Shuddha Ekadashi (Saturday & Sunday)
This final main royal bath is unique. The Vaishnava Akharas will bathe on Sep 11th at Ramkund in Nashik, while the Shaiva Akharas will bathe on Sep 12th at Kushavarta Tirtha in Trimbakeshwar, honoring both great traditions.
Full Mela Schedule (2026-2028)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 31 October 2026 | Official Commencement (Dhwajarohan – Flag Hoisting) |
| 24 July 2027 | Flag Hoisting Ceremony of Nashik Kumbh Mela 2027 |
| 2 August 2027 | First Amrit Snan – Ashadh Somvati Amavasya (Monday) |
| 31 August 2027 | Second Amrit Snan – Shravan Amavasya (Tuesday) |
| 5 September 2027 | Rishi Panchami |
| 11 September 2027 | Third Amrit Snan (Vaishnava) – Bhadrapada Shuddha Ekadashi (Ramkund, Nashik) |
| 12 September 2027 | Third Amrit Snan (Shaiva) – Kushavarta Tirtha, Trimbakeshwar |
| 15 September 2027 | Bhadrapada Purnima |
| 11 October 2027 | Ashwin Shudh Ekadashi |
| 15 October 2027 | Ashwin Purnima |
| 10 November 2027 | Kartik Shudh Ekadashi |
| 14 November 2027 | Kartik Purnima |
| 26 January 2028 | Mouni Amavasya |
| 1 February 2028 | Vasant Panchami |
| 8 February 2028 | Ganga Godavari Mahotsav |
| 27 February 2028 | Maha Shivratri |
| 25 May – 2 June 2028 | Ganga Dussehra Utsav |
| 24 July 2028 | Official Conclusion (Flag Lowering) |
Two Sacred Hearts of the Mela
Nashik (Panchavati)
The main bathing ghat here is the sacred Ramkund, where Lord Rama himself is believed to have bathed. This area is primarily where the Vaishnav Akharas perform their rituals.
Trimbakeshwar
About 30km from Nashik, this is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The bathing spot is Kushavarta Tirtha, the source of the Godavari. This is the sacred ground for the Shaiva Akharas.