Nashik Kumbh Mela 2026–2027: Dates & Shahi Snan Schedule

Officially announced: These dates were confirmed at a meeting chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with representatives of all major akhadas, and are maintained by the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela Authority. As with any large public event still 8+ months out, minor scheduling or logistics details can still be refined. Always cross-check close to your travel dates via the official Authority website (divcomnashik.maharashtra.gov.in) before finalizing plans.

The Simhastha period: October 2026 to 2027

Unlike Prayagraj's few-week Kumbh, the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha traditionally runs for just over a year, from the opening flag-hoisting to the closing flag-lowering; the 2015 edition followed the same pattern. The Dhwajarohan (flag-hoisting) that formally opens this Simhastha is set for 31 October 2026 at 12:02 PM at Ramkund Panchavati, Nashik. For most pilgrims and travelers, though, the part that matters is much shorter: the mass-pilgrimage Shahi Snan (royal bathing) dates, which fall in a roughly six-week window in August–September 2027.

Confirmed Shahi Snan & Amrit Snan dates (2027)

Occasion	Date	Significance
Sadhugram flag hoisting	24 July 2027	Marks the opening of the sadhu tent-city ahead of the main bathing dates
Nagar Pradakshina	29 July 2027	Ceremonial procession through the city preceding the first Amrit Snan
First Amrit Snan (Ashadh Somvati Amavasya)	2 August 2027	The first major royal bath, when akhadas process to the ghats first
Special observance	12 August 2027	Additional bathing/ritual observance during the Shravan month
Special observance	17 August 2027	Additional bathing/ritual observance
Mahakumbh Snan (Shravan Amavasya)	31 August 2027	The second major Amrit Snan, one of the most heavily attended dates
Special observance	28 August 2027	Additional bathing/ritual observance
Third Amrit Snan (Bhadrapada)	11–12 September 2027	The closing major royal bath of the main pilgrimage season

Why you'll see both "2026-2028" and "2027" used for this Kumbh

You may see this event referred to as the "2026 Kumbh," the "2027 Kumbh," or even a 2026–2028 span in different articles. All three are describing the same event, just different parts of it. The full ceremonial Simhastha period (sadhus in residence, ongoing rituals) opens on 31 October 2026 and continues well into 2027; some reporting extends the administrative/closing period into 2028, though public sourcing on the exact closing date is inconsistent at the time of writing. The dates that actually matter for planning a visit (the mass Shahi Snan bathing dates) are the ones in the August–September 2027 table above, which is why most travel guides (including this one) refer to it as "Kumbh Mela 2027."

Planning to travel specifically for a Shahi Snan date? Expect the heaviest crowds, the tightest hotel availability, and the highest transport prices on and around each snan date, especially 2 August, 31 August, and 11–12 September 2027. Many independent travelers prefer visiting a few days before or after a main snan date for a calmer, still-spiritual experience with far fewer crowds.