Simhastha Kumbh 2028, Ujjain — Dates, Shahi Snan and Planning

Ujjain's Simhastha Kumbh 2028 is scheduled for 27 March to 27 May 2028. The three main Shahi Snan days are reported as 9 April, 23 April and 8 May 2028. It comes once every twelve years — the last was in 2016.

It is called Simhastha because the festival is set by Jupiter entering Simha (Leo). In Ujjain it takes place on the banks of the Shipra, one of the four Kumbh sites in India. The 2028 edition runs for two months, where the 2016 Simhastha lasted about one.

Key dates for Simhastha 2028

These dates come from publicly published information. The full list of Parva Snan days and the ghat arrangements are notified by the district administration and the Akhara Parishad closer to the event, so check the official announcement before fixing travel. We will keep this page updated.

What Simhastha is, and why Ujjain

The Kumbh is held at four places — Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain. The Ujjain Kumbh is called Simhastha because its timing is set by Jupiter entering Simha, the sign of Leo.

Ujjain is the city of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and sits on the Shipra. During Simhastha, bathing in the river, giving daan, and darshan at Mahakaleshwar are held to carry particular merit.

Shahi Snan and Parva Snan are not the same

Shahi Snan days are when the akharas bathe at the ghats with their traditional processions. These are the most crowded days of the entire two months.

Parva Snan days are other auspicious bathing dates. They are held to carry the same religious merit but without the akhara processions. If crowds are a concern, a Parva Snan day is considerably more manageable.

What the crowds and lodging are actually like

The 2016 Simhastha drew crowds in the crores. The 2028 edition runs twice as long and the state is building on a large scale ahead of it, so the numbers are expected to be higher still.

On Shahi Snan days traffic through the city is restricted, temple queues run long, and hotels are full months in advance. If your priority is an unhurried pooja and darshan, the days before or after a Shahi Snan are the practical choice.

Planning a pooja during Simhastha

Across those two months a poojari's time books out early. For a Rudrabhishek, a Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap or a Kaal Sarp Dosh nivaran, the earlier the date is fixed the better.

If you cannot travel to Ujjain, the pooja can be performed with the sankalp taken in your name and gotra. Booking is free and the confirmation reaches you by email straight away.

Frequently asked questions

When is Ujjain Simhastha 2028?

Simhastha 2028 is scheduled from 27 March to 27 May 2028. The final schedule is notified by the administration.

What are the Shahi Snan dates for Simhastha 2028?

The three main Shahi Snan days are reported as 9 April, 23 April and 8 May 2028.

How often does Simhastha happen?

Once every twelve years. The last Simhastha in Ujjain was in 2016, so the next is 2028.

How long will Mahakal darshan take during Simhastha?

On Shahi Snan days the queue is very long and the wait can run to several hours. On other days it is closer to normal.

Can I book a Simhastha pooja now?

Yes. Fixing the date early secures the poojari for that day. Booking is free.

Popular poojas during Simhastha

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