सिंहस्थ महापर्व • Simhastha 2028
Sinhastha Kumbh Mahaparv 2028
The celestial alignment of Jupiter in Leo and the Sun in Aries brings the grand 12-year cycle of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela back to the sacred banks of the Shipra River.
Dhwaj Arohana (Flag Hoisting)
Formal commencement of Simhastha. Sacred flag hoisted at temples marking the beginning of the mela period.
First Shahi Snan (Chaitra Purnima)
First Royal Bath at full moon. Naga sadhus and akhada processions lead pilgrims to the Shipra for sacred bathing.
Second Shahi Snan (Vaishakh Krishna Amavasya)
Second Royal Bath at Vaishakh new moon.
Third Shahi Snan (Akshaya Tritiya)
Royal Bath on Akshaya Tritiya — one of the most auspicious days. Any good deed done on this day gives infinite merit.
Fourth Shahi Snan (Vaishakh Purnima)
Final Grand Royal Bath on Vaishakh Purnima. The main bathing day with the largest crowds.
Dhwaj Avarohana (Flag Lowering)
Formal conclusion of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Next event in 2040.
Annual Festivals & Rituals
Year-round celebrations that keep Ujjain's spiritual pulse alive.
Bhasma Aarti
भस्म आरती · Mahakaleshwar Temple
Sacred ash from a cremation ground is applied to the Shiva lingam while priests chant Vedic mantras. The only temple in India performing this daily ritual.
Maha Shivaratri
महा शिवरात्रि · All Shiva temples
Night-long worship at all Shiva temples. Special decorations, cultural programs, and massive fair. Devotees observe fasting and night vigil.
Mahakal Ki Sawari (Shravan)
महाकाल की सवारी · Mahakaleshwar to Ram Ghat
Decorated palanquin carrying Lord Mahakal's idol through Ujjain's streets with elephants, musicians, and folk performers.
Nag Panchami (Nagchandreshwar)
नाग पंचमी · 3rd floor, Mahakaleshwar
The Nagchandreshwar temple opens for darshan for ONLY this one day in the year. The rare Shiva-Parvati on Sheshanaga idol draws tens of thousands.
Navaratri
नवरात्रि · Harsiddhi, Gadkalika
Nine nights of the Devi. The twin deepmalika at Harsiddhi are spectacularly illuminated. Garba/dandiya dances across the city.
Ganesh Chaturthi
गणेश चतुर्थी · Chintaman Ganesh, Bade Ganeshji
Ten-day celebrations with elaborate pandals and idol immersion in the Shipra on Anant Chaturdashi.
Kartik Mela
कार्तिक मेला · Ram Ghat
Traditional fair along the Shipra banks. Pilgrims take morning baths and worship at temples.
Bhairav Ashtami
भैरव अष्टमी · Kaal Bhairav Temple
Birthday celebration of Kaal Bhairav, the guardian deity of Ujjain. Special liquor offerings and night-long celebrations.
Pitru Paksha at Siddhavat
पितृ पक्ष · Siddhavat
16-day ancestor worship period. Thousands visit Siddhavat (one of the Panch Vat) for Shradh and Pind-daan ceremonies.
Kalidasa Samaroh
कालिदास समारोह · Kalidasa Akademi
Cultural festival celebrating Kalidasa with classical dance, Sanskrit drama recitals, academic seminars, and literary programs.
Holi & Rangpanchami
होली और रंगपंचमी · Citywide, Gopal Mandir area
Malwa extends Holi celebrations for 5 days until Rangpanchami with colors, music, and Malwa folk songs.
Krishna Janmashtami
कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी · Sandipani Ashram, Gopal Mandir
Krishna's birthday celebrated with special fervor — night-long celebrations and theatrical reenactments.