Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2027 Guide - Kumbh Mela Important Dates, Latest News, FAQs

Kumbh Mela 2027 Important Dates

Popular Bathing (Shahi Snan) Dates
Shahi Snan No.	Date	Occasion
First Shahi Snan	14 Jan 2027	Makar Sankranti
Second Shahi Snan	6 Feb 2027	Mauni Amavasya
Third Shahi Snan	11 Feb 2027	Basant Panchami
Fourth Shahi Snan	20 Feb 2027	Magha Purnima
Seventh Shahi Snan	7 Apr 2027	Nav Samvatsar
Ninth Shahi Snan	15 Apr 2027	Ram Navami
Tenth Shahi Snan	20 Apr 2027	Chaitra Purnima

Amrit Snan (Royal Bath) Dates
Amrit Snan	Date	Occasion
1st Amrit Snan	6 Mar 2027	Mahashivratri
2nd Amrit Snan	8 Mar 2027	Somvati Amavasya
3rd Amrit Snan	14 Apl 2027	Mesh Sankranti / Baisakhi
4th Amrit Snan	20 Apr 2027	Chaitra Purnima

Note: The above dates of Shahi snans are subject to change. Exact dates will be determined according to Hindu astrological calculations, particularly based on the positions of Jupiter and the Sun.

Key Rituals and Spiritual Activities at Kumbh Mela

Holy dip in the Ganga
Ganga Aarti
Discourses by saints
Yajnas and havans
Yoga and meditation sessions
Spiritual debates and satsangs

List of Bathing Ghats in Haridwar

Har Ki Pauri
Asthi Pravath Ghat
Subhash Ghat
Gau Ghat
Sapth Sarover Kshetra Ghat
Sarvanand Ghat
Pantdweep Ghat
Kangra Ghat
Roode Bale Wala Ghat
Ganesh Ghat
Varagi Camp Ghat
Sati Ghat
Daksheshwar Ghat
Singh Dwar Ghat
Sita Ghat

Accommodation Options during Kumbh Mela

Special and Temporary tent cities developed for the event with basic amenities
Hotels & Guesthouses (advance booking highly recommended). Check Hotels in Haridwar
Government camps & tents
Ashrams in Haridwar
Dharamshala in Haridwar
Budget Hotels in Haridwar

Akharas at Kumbh Mela

Akharas are religious monastic orders that play a central role in the Kumbh Mela.

Shaiva Akharas (followers of Lord Shiva)
Vaishnava Akharas (followers of Lord Vishnu)
Udaseen Akharas

Each Akhara has a designated order for Shahi Snan, strictly followed as per tradition.

Kumbh Mela Mythology with Haridwar

Haridwar is considered one of the Sapta Puri or ‘seven holy places’ according to Hinduism. The Kumbh fair traces its origin in the ancient legend of Samudra Manthan. When the battle of churning ocean between devas and asuras led to the creation of Amrit, the Lord Vishnu instructed Garuda to fly away with the elixir to keep it beyond the reaches of asuras.

Revered and sacred texts in Hinduism proclaim Haridwar to be one of the four places where drops of Amrit, the elixir of immortality were dropped from the Kumbh (pot) by Garuda, the celestial bird of Lord Vishnu.

Vitthal Jondhale : Wikipedia: Sadhus performing Shahi Snan during Kumbh Mela

Kumbh Rites and Rituals

Million of pilgrims congregate on the banks of river Ganges to take part in the ritual bathing. It is believed taking a dip in the holy water at the auspicious Kumbh Mela cleanse devotees of all their sins.

Another popular ritual at Kumbh Mela is the Peshwai procession which marks the arrival of members of different akharas and sect of sadhus. For instance, the Naga sadhus are the first to enter the holy water according to the fair tradition. Other rituals like devotional singing of hymns and religious discourse also take place at the Kumbh.

One another important aspect of Kumbh fair is the darshan of ascetics, sadhus and sages who usually nomadic, congregate at the Kumbh fair at large number. The Hindu pilgrims and devotees who visit Kumbh make sure to seek blessings and guidance from the sadhus towards their own spiritual life.

Shahi Snan (Royal Bath): The most important ritual, where Naga sadhus and akharas (religious orders) take the first holy dip at pre-decided times.
Snan Parv (Bathing Days): Specific auspicious dates are set for the general public to bathe in the river.
Darshan of Sadhus & Akharas: Witness various sects of sadhus, including Naga, Udasin, Vaishnav, Shaiva, and others, who only appear during Kumbh.
Religious Discourses & Yajnas: Spiritual gatherings, bhajans, kirtans, yagnas, and Ganga aarti are held across Haridwar.

Why Kumbh Mela Haridwar is Unique?

The Kumbh Mela at Haridwar is not just a festival—it is a spiritual phenomenon, a timeless confluence of faith, devotion, and human unity. Whether you come as a pilgrim, seeker, researcher, or traveller, the experience leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

Gateway to the Himalayas
Sacred Ganga origin point
Deep-rooted Vedic traditions
Blend of spirituality, culture, and devotion

Types of Kumbh at Haridwar

Maha Kumbh Mela

Occurs once every 12 years
Considered the most auspicious
Attracts the largest gatherings

Ardh Kumbh Mela

Held every 6 years
Observed at Haridwar and Prayagraj

Kumbh Mela

Occurs based on astrological calculations
Includes multiple sacred bathing dates

Infrastructure & Management by Uttarakhand Govt for Kumbh Mela

The Uttarakhand government sets up:

Temporary bridges and ghats
Security and surveillance systems
Medical camps and emergency services
Clean drinking water and sanitation facilities

The event is managed with coordination among civil administration, police, disaster response teams, and health departments.

Kumbh Mela Frequently Asked Questions

Check out some of the most asked questions with detailed answers. It will help you to understand about Kumbh Mela.

Q: Do I have to register for Kumbh Mela in Haridwar? and where?
A: Yes and All details regarding registration for Kumbh Mela are given here.

Q: What is Kumbh Mela?
A: Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering of Hindus held four times over the course of 12 years at 4 different locations that are situated on the bank of the sacred rivers. Prayagraj (at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati Rivers), Ujjain (River Shipra), Haridwar (River Ganga) and Nasik (River Godavari) are the four destinations.

Q: What is Ardh Kumbh Mela?
A: The Ardh Kumbh Mela (Half Kumbh Mela) is held every 6 years in two different locations, Allahabad and Haridwar. Ardh means ‘half’ which is interpreted as the half of 12 years.

Q: What is Mahakumbh?
A: The Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 144 years at Prayagraj (Allahabad) only, after the completion of 12 Purna Kumbh Melas. The Purna Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years and hence, the Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 144 years.

Q: Why is Kumbh Mela celebrated? What is the importance of Kumbh Mela?
A: It is believed, the nectar from the pot fell at four locations - Prayagraj, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Nasik during an epic battle between the gods and the demons. At these four places, Kumbh Mela takes place. The Hindu devotees throng these places with a belief that a dip in the waters of the sacred rivers will wash away all their sins.

Q: What is Shahi Snan Dates?
A: Shahi snan is the central highlight of the Kumbh Mela and the most important part of the celebration. There are few dates known as royal bathing (Shahi snan), considered most auspicious for Naga Sadhus. Millions of devotees gather at Kumb Mela Location for taking the holy dip in the river.

Q: In which places is the Kumbh Mela celebrated?
A: The Kumbh Mela is held in Prayagraj (at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati Rivers), Nasik (River Godavari), Ujjain (River Shipra) and Haridwar (River Ganga).

Q: How can be reach Haridwar What is the nearest airport, railway station and bus terminal to Kumbh Mela, Haridwar?
A: The nearest Airport to Haridwar is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (41 kms). The airport has direct flights operating from Dehradun to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai and connecting flights to all the cities of India. One can hire a cab from outside the airport to go to Haridwar.

Haridwar has its own railway station that connects it to the rest of the country. It enjoys good rail connectivity with the major cities of India like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Dehradun, Jaipur, Patna and many others.Haridwar also enjoys good road connectivity with Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand. Frequent state-run and private buses operate between these places.

You can check here: How to reach Haridwar for more information.

Q: What are Akharas?
A: The Akharas are the places of congregation for the saints. They were originally developed by Adi Shankarcharya in the 8th century and were divided into categories - Astradhari (intelligentsia) and Shastradhari (weapon-bearer). The Akharas are also learning centers where the devotees of Hinduism can learn about the various teachings and philosophies of the Hindu way of life as well as seek the blessings of the saints.

Q: How many Akharas take part in the Kumbh Mela?
A: Initially, there were 4 Akharas which would take part in the Kumbh Mela. But, due to many ideological differences, these 4 Akharas were further divided into 13 categories, mainly of Shaiv, Vaishnav and Udasin sects.

Q: Who are Naga Sadhus?
A: The Naga Sadhus are the followers of Lord Shiva. They don’t wear any clothes and live an ascetic life having relinquished all their desires for body, comfort and material.

Q: Where do Naga Sadhus live?
A: The Naga Sadhus live in the caves of Himalayas, away from the contact of human civilization and meditate there in order to seek enlightenment and salvation.

Q: Can we meet Naga Sadhus?
A: Yes, one can meet the Naga Sadhus in the Kumbh Mela. You can click their pictures, talk to them and get an insight into their lives and experiences after asking for their permission. However, if they refuse, then it is advised to respect their decision and leave them alone.

Q: Why don’t Naga Sadhus wear clothes?
A: The Naga Sadhus have given away all their desires for material and body and live an ascetic life in order to seek spiritual enlightenment and salvation. This is the reason behind them not wearing any clothes which are a symbol of attachment to the materialistic possessions of the world.

Q: Why do Naga Sadhus smear ashes (bhasma) on their bodies?
A: The Naga Sadhus smear their bodies with the ashes of the burned dead bodies to signify their devotion to the Lord Shiva.

Q: I have heard that motorized vehicles are ban during Kumbh Mela. Is this true?
A: Yes, Motorized vehicles are banned during main bathing dates (Shahi snan). Millions of people are expected to visit Sangam during the bathing date, most of the border roads will be blocked to enter into the city. Even if you try to reach from the airport or station it will take several hours to reach your destination.

Q: Is there any restriction on food and drinks at Kumbh Mela?
A: Yes, being a very sacred place and event, it is not allowed to have non-vegetarian meal of any kind (no meat, fish, eggs, etc.) It is also not allowed to consume any alcoholic drinks.

Q: Can you please let us know things to do or activities during during Kumbh mela?
A: During Kumbh Mela you can do the following activites:

Take a Dip in the Holy Ganga.
Visit an Akhadas and Meet the Naga Sadhus
Listen to Kathas, Participate in Kirtans, enjoy the riverside Ganga aarti
Explore Haridwar City, Market and Eat at a Bhandaras
Visit the ancient temples of the city
Buy Souvenirs and Do shopping in Haridwar

If you can extend your holidays then you can explore the following as well:

Visit Rishikesh - Do Rafting in Rishikesh
Visit Chopta and Do the trek of Tungnath and Chandrashila
Visit Dhanaulti and Kanatal
Visit Tehri Lake and enjoy water sports in Tehri

Haridwar Kumbh Mela Latest News and Updates

Electric Buses to Operate at Kumbh Mela 2027 for Improved Public Transport

In preparation for the upcoming Kumbh Mela 2027, the Transport Corporation has announced the deployment of electric buses within the mela premises to enhance convenience for pilgrims and visitors in Haridwar. For the first time, around 150 electric buses will be introduced in the Kumbh area as part of a strategic plan to ensure smooth, eco-friendly transportation and better crowd management during the grand religious gathering.

Haridwar Gears Up for 2027 Ardh Kumbh, 17 Crore Devotees Expected

The administration preparing for the Ardh Kumbh Mela 2027 in Haridwar has estimated that nearly 17 crore devotees will take part in the holy bathing rituals during the grand religious event.

Based on crowd assessments from previous gatherings, including the Kumbh Mela 2010 and Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016, authorities have accelerated infrastructure development projects to ensure smooth crowd management, improved facilities, and enhanced safety measures for pilgrims.

Uttarakhand CM Requests Rs 3,500 Crore from PM Modi for Haridwar Mahakumbh 2027

Date: 14 July 2025
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has formally requested a financial grant of Rs 3,500 crore from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to support preparations and infrastructure development for the upcoming Haridwar Mahakumbh in 2027.

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