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Simhastha Kumbh Mela

Safety & Essential Tips

Millions of devotees attend the Kumbh Mela. Keep these important guidelines in mind to ensure your journey is safe and spiritually fulfilling.

Crowd & Ghat Management

  • ✓ Stay Patient: Maintain patience in crowded areas and at the bathing ghats. Avoid pushing or rushing.
  • ✓ Follow Instructions: Carefully listen to announcements made by police, volunteers, and public address systems.
  • ✓ Respect Bathing Limits: Do not go beyond the safe barricading or chains in the river, even if you are a good swimmer.

Health & Hygiene

  • ✓ First-Aid Kit: Always carry your regular medicines, band-aids, and basic pain relievers.
  • ✓ Safe Food & Water: Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid eating cut fruits or junk food sold in the open.
  • ✓ Maintain Cleanliness: Always use dustbins for trash. Help the administration keep the holy river Shipra clean.

Safeguarding Valuables

Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash. Keep your mobile phone and wallet in your front pocket or use a secure cross-body bag.

Special Advice for Children & Seniors

Always place a small slip of paper in children's pockets with their parents' names and mobile numbers. Do not leave elderly family members alone; ensure a younger member accompanies them at all times. In case someone gets separated, immediately contact the nearest "Lost and Found" center or police booth.

Official Mela Administration Guidelines

Do's

  • ✓ Use only the specific bathing areas/Ghats authorized by the Mela administration for your safety and security.
  • ✓ Make use of the closest bathing places/Ghats to your place of stay in the Mela area or city.
  • ✓ If any anonymous or doubtful object is found, immediately inform the Mela administration or the police control room.
  • ✓ Follow all traffic rules and regulations practiced in the city.
  • ✓ Follow the guidelines given by the Central Public Address System to avoid any inconvenience.
  • ✓ Dispose garbage only in the designated dustbins.
  • ✓ Dress appropriately considering the religious and cultural sensibilities of the event.

Don'ts

  • ✗ Plastic bags are prohibited in Ujjain by the Government and the Honorable High Court during Kumbh Mela.
  • ✗ Do not wash clothes on the river banks.
  • ✗ Do not overcrowd boats beyond their capacity.
  • ✗ Do not encourage beggary as a pilgrim or traveler.
  • ✗ Do not use soap while bathing in the river water.
  • ✗ Do not discard puja/ritual materials into the river.

Heat & Sunstroke Prevention (April-May)

  • ✓ Drink Water Hourly: Temperatures in Ujjain can reach 42°C in April-May. Drink at least 1 glass of water every hour.
  • ✓ Move Early Morning or Evening: Early morning 6-10am and evening after 4pm are best for ghat visits. Stay indoors or in shade from 12-3pm.
  • ✓ Recognize Heatstroke Symptoms: Severe headache, dizziness, vomiting, or stopping sweating are signs of heatstroke. Move to shade immediately, drink ORS, and visit the nearest medical camp.
  • ✓ Wear Light-Coloured Loose Clothing: White or light-coloured cotton clothes reduce heat absorption. Always cover your head with a scarf or cap.

Digital Safety (Phone, UPI & Photos)

  • ✓ Lock Your UPI Apps: Set a separate PIN on PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm so your money stays safe even if your phone is lost.
  • ✓ Download Offline Maps: Download Ujjain's offline map on Google Maps or Maps.me in advance as network is slow in crowds.
  • ✓ Avoid Unknown QR Codes: Fraud cases using fake QR codes are increasing. Pay via UPI only at trusted shops.
  • ✓ Share Live Location with Family: Use Google Maps "Share Live Location" feature so family members can track each other.

Emergency Numbers - Ujjain

Service Number
Police 100
Ambulance 108
Fire Brigade 101
Mela Control Room 0734-2512700
Lost & Found Center 112

Special Tips for Shahi Snan Days

Shahi Snan dates (April 9, April 24, May 8) — 50+ lakh pilgrims gather on these days. Extra caution is essential.

  • ✓ Arrive a Day Early: Roads may close 12-24 hours before Shahi Snan. Arrive a day early and stay overnight.
  • ✓ Park Far from the Ghats: Vehicles cannot enter within 5km of Ram Ghat. Use designated parking and take shuttle buses.
  • ✓ Fix a Meeting Point: Decide a recognizable meeting point with family (like a temple gate) in case you get separated in the crowd.
  • ✓ Avoid the Crowd Peak: Crowd peaks between 4am-8am. Those with elderly or children should bathe after 8am.