Dhwajarohan 2026: The Flag-Hoisting That Opens the Nashik Kumbh Mela

Name: Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Dhwajarohan (Flag-Hoisting) 2026
Start: 2026-10-31T12:02:00+05:30
Location: Ramkund, Panchavati

Officially announced: The Simhastha flag-hoisting (Dhwajarohan) is scheduled for Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 12:02 PM at Ramkund, Panchavati, Nashik. A matching flag-hoisting is also planned at Trimbakeshwar on the same date. Timings can be refined by the organisers, so confirm close to the day with the official Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela Authority.

What is Dhwajarohan?

Dhwajarohan means "raising the flag". For the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha it is the formal start of the holy period: once the flag goes up, the Kumbh Mela officially begins. It was announced at a meeting chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in the presence of seers and mahants of the major akhadas.

Key details at a glance

Date	Saturday, 31 October 2026
Time	12:02 PM (as officially announced)
Place	Ramkund, Panchavati, Nashik (Trimbakeshwar also hoists a flag the same day)
What it marks	The commencement of the Simhastha period
What comes next	Main Shahi/Amrit Snan dates: 2 August, 31 August and 11–12 September 2027

Should you travel for the flag-hoisting?

The 31 October 2026 ceremony is the opening milestone, not the mass bathing event. The huge pilgrim crowds are expected around the Shahi Snan dates in August and September 2027. If you want to see the Kumbh begin, or prefer a quieter visit before the big crowds, the opening day is a chance to experience Nashik's ghats and temples with the festival atmosphere starting up. Expect local traffic restrictions and security arrangements around Ramkund on the day.

Practical tips for the day

Book early. Nashik hotels near Panchavati fill quickly on festival dates. See our where to stay guide.
Arrive the evening before. Road access near Ramkund and Panchavati is usually restricted on event days, so being in town early helps.
Plan the last mile on foot. Expect to walk the final stretch to the ghats. Comfortable footwear and a water bottle help.
Check official updates. Parking, shuttle and entry arrangements are announced by the authorities shortly before the event.

For routes from Mumbai, Pune and other cities, see how to reach Nashik. For the full list of confirmed dates for 2027, see the dates and Shahi Snan schedule.

Sources: reporting by Deccan Chronicle and ETV Bharat on the announcement of the Simhastha schedule. This site is independent and not affiliated with any official authority.