Simhastha 2028 Dates & Schedule
Complete guide to all dates, timings, and schedule for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 in Ujjain. March 27 – May 27, 2028.
Shahi Snan Dates 2028 - Main Bathing Dates
The three Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) dates are the most auspicious and heavily attended days during Simhastha Kumbh Mela. These are the primary dates when millions of pilgrims perform sacred bathing in the Shipra River.
| Shahi Snan # | Date | Day | Significance | Expected Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Shahi Snan | April 22, 2028 | Saturday | Purnima (Full Moon) | 4:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| 2nd Shahi Snan | May 6, 2028 | Saturday | Vaishakh Krishna Amavasya (New Moon) | 4:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| 3rd Shahi Snan | May 9, 2028 | Tuesday | Akshaya Tritiya (Most Auspicious) | 4:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Expect maximum attendance on all three Shahi Snan dates. Arrive by 3-4 AM for better access. Crowds begin forming the night before.
1st Shahi Snan (Purnima)
April 22, 2028 (Saturday)
- Best Time: Before sunrise (4:00-6:00 AM)
- Significance: Marks the official beginning of the most intensive bathing phase. Full moon amplifies potency.
- Crowd: 5-10 crore devotees expected
2nd Shahi Snan (Amavasya)
May 6, 2028 (Saturday)
- Best Time: Before sunrise (4:00-6:00 AM)
- Significance: New moon holds special significance for ancestral rituals. Ideal for Pitru Tarpan.
- Crowd: 8-12 crore devotees expected
3rd Shahi Snan (Akshaya Tritiya)
May 9, 2028 (Tuesday)
- Best Time: Before sunrise (4:00-6:00 AM)
- Significance: Most auspicious day in Hindu calendar. Eternal spiritual merit and blessings.
- Crowd: LARGEST crowd (12-15 crore expected)
Overall Simhastha Event Dates - Full Duration
Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 spans 62 days from March 27 to May 27. This extended duration is the longest Simhastha in recorded history. Throughout this period, various auspicious dates present opportunities for pilgrimage.
| Event Phase | Start Date | End Date | Duration | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Simhastha Preparation | March 1, 2028 | March 26, 2028 | 26 days | Infrastructure setup, government announcements |
| Official Simhastha Period | March 27, 2028 | May 27, 2028 | 62 days | Main pilgrimage period with Shahi Snan dates |
| Post-Simhastha Closure | May 28, 2028 | June 27, 2028 | 31 days | Gradual decrease in pilgrims, cleanup phase |
Key Dates Timeline
Mesha Sankranti marks the astrological new year and the official beginning of Simhastha. Government inaugurates the mela, temporary structures open, pilgrim camps commence.
A secondary new moon astronomical event, significant for certain rituals and secondary bathing ceremonies.
Official end of Simhastha period. Gradual decrease in institutional support, though some pilgrims continue visits through June.
Parva Snan Dates 2028 - Secondary Bathing Dates
In addition to the three main Shahi Snan dates, there are seven Parva Snan (secondary bathing) dates throughout the 62-day period. These dates, while less crowded than Shahi Snan, still hold spiritual significance and offer meaningful pilgrimage opportunities.
| Estimated Date | Crowd Level |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2028 | Moderate |
| April 13, 2028 | Light-Moderate |
| April 28, 2028 | Moderate |
| May 12, 2028 | Light |
| May 19, 2028 | Light-Moderate |
| May 24, 2028 | Light |
| May 27, 2028 | Moderate |
Why Choose Parva Snan Dates?
- Less Crowded: Allows for more comfortable and peaceful bathing experiences.
- Better Temple Access: Easier darshan at Mahakaleshwar and other sacred temples.
- Lower Accommodation Rates: Hotels and stays charge less during non-peak dates.
- Less Traffic: Significantly reduced traffic congestion and road closures.
- Spiritual Merit: All Parva Snan dates carry spiritual significance; merit is not exclusively reserved for Shahi Snan.
Astrological Significance
The dates of Simhastha Kumbh Mela are determined by specific celestial alignments in Vedic astrology. Simhastha occurs when Jupiter (Brihaspati) enters the Leo zodiac sign (Simha Rashi) - an astronomical event that happens once every 12 years.
- Jupiter (Brihaspati): In Leo throughout the entire 62-day period
- Sun (Surya): Transitions from Aries to Gemini
- Saturn (Shani): In Pisces (supporting spiritual growth)
- Venus (Shukra): In Taurus (enhancing devotion)
Planning Your Pilgrimage
For Maximum Spiritual Experience: Visit on Shahi Snan dates (April 22, May 6, or May 9). Plan your arrival 24+ hours in advance due to massive crowds.
For Comfortable Pilgrimage: Visit on Parva Snan dates for a more relaxed experience with better access to ghats and temples.
- Minimum: 3-4 days
- Comfortable: 7-10 days
- Complete: 14-21 days