Ujjain is getting ready for the most sacred event in its calendar — and the most significant pilgrimage gathering anywhere on Earth. Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 is expected to draw over 150 million pilgrims to the banks of the Shipra River between April and June 2028. If you are planning to attend, the time to start preparing is right now.
Hotels near Mahakaleshwar Temple are already taking early enquiries. Flights to Indore (the gateway airport for Ujjain) will see prices surge as 2028 approaches. Bhasma Aarti slots — already competitive on regular days — will become near-impossible to get without advance booking during the Simhastha period. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What is Simhastha Kumbh Mela?
Simhastha is the Kumbh Mela celebrated in Ujjain every 12 years. It occurs when Jupiter (Brihaspati) enters the zodiac sign of Leo (Simha) — hence the name Simhastha, meaning “Jupiter in Leo.” This celestial alignment is considered exceptionally auspicious according to Hindu tradition, and the Shipra River is believed to transform into nectar (amrita) during this period.
Unlike the Prayagraj Kumbh which rotates among four cities, Simhastha is held exclusively in Ujjain. The last Simhastha was held in 2016 and drew an estimated 75 million visitors over 30 days. The 2028 edition is expected to be nearly double that — with improved infrastructure, a new airport under construction, and global media coverage planned.
Simhastha 2028 Dates: When is It?
The exact dates of Simhastha 2028 will be determined by the official Ujjain administration and temple authorities closer to the event, based on precise astronomical calculations. However, based on Jupiter’s transit cycle, Simhastha 2028 is expected to fall between April and June 2028 — spanning approximately 30 days.
The most important bathing dates are the Shahi Snan (royal bath) days, when millions take a holy dip in the Shipra River simultaneously. These are typically determined by:
- Vaisakhi Purnima (full moon of Vaisakha)
- Kartik Purnima alignment
- Somvati Amavasya (no-moon Monday)
- Nag Panchami
We will update this page with confirmed dates as soon as the official announcement is made by the Madhya Pradesh government.
Ujjain New Airport: Flying to Simhastha 2028
One of the biggest changes for Simhastha 2028 is the new Ujjain airport. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed an MoU with the Madhya Pradesh government to develop a greenfield airport at Ujjain, specifically designed to handle the massive pilgrim influx during Simhastha. The new airport is being planned with a capacity to handle peak traffic of several thousand passengers per day during the Mela period.
Until the new airport opens, Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore (IDR) remains the closest airport — just 55 km from Mahakaleshwar Temple, roughly 60–75 minutes by cab. Fly to Ujjain provides pre-booked, air-conditioned cabs directly from Indore airport to Ujjain.
How to Reach Ujjain for Simhastha 2028
By Flight
The best way to reach Ujjain is to fly into Indore (IDR) and take a cab to Ujjain. Direct flights to Indore are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Pune and over 20 other cities. During Simhastha, we strongly recommend booking your flights at least 3–6 months in advance, as fares will increase dramatically as the dates approach.
| City | Approx. Flight Time to Indore | Cab to Ujjain |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 1h 20min | ~1 hour |
| Mumbai | 1h 10min | ~1 hour |
| Bangalore | 2h | ~1 hour |
| Chennai | 2h 10min | ~1 hour |
| Kolkata | 2h 30min | ~1 hour |
| Hyderabad | 1h 30min | ~1 hour |
| Ahmedabad | 55min | ~1 hour |
By Train
Ujjain has its own railway station — Ujjain Junction — well-connected to major cities. However, during Simhastha, trains are traditionally the most overcrowded transport mode. Booking train tickets 120 days in advance (the standard Indian Railways window) is essential. Key trains include the Mahakal Express (Varanasi–Indore via Ujjain) and the Avantika Express (Mumbai–Indore via Ujjain).
By Road
Ujjain is well-connected by road. During Simhastha, however, roads into the city see severe congestion. The Madhya Pradesh government typically sets up dedicated pilgrim parking zones and shuttle services. Driving directly into the city during peak Shahi Snan days is generally not recommended.
Where to Stay in Ujjain During Simhastha 2028
Accommodation during Simhastha falls into three categories:
1. Hotels Near Mahakaleshwar Temple
The most sought-after hotels are those within walking distance of Mahakaleshwar Temple. These include properties on Dewas Road, Nai Sadak and the areas around the Rudra Sagar Lake. Expect prices to be 3–5x their usual rates during Simhastha. Book 12–18 months in advance.
2. Dharamshalas and Government Guest Houses
Ujjain has over 100 dharamshalas — pilgrim rest houses — many run by trusts and religious organisations. These offer basic but clean accommodation at very affordable rates (₹300–₹800 per night). Popular ones include the Shri Mahakal Dharamshala and various community-run lodges near Ram Ghat.
3. Temporary Tent Cities
During Simhastha, the Madhya Pradesh government and private operators set up large tent cities on the banks of the Shipra River. These range from basic camps (₹500–₹1,000/night) to luxury glamping setups with attached bathrooms, 24-hour room service and guided temple tours. Fly to Ujjain’s Simhastha packages include tent city options at all budget levels.
Bhasma Aarti During Simhastha 2028
The Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple — held at 4 AM daily — is among the most spiritually powerful experiences in all of Hinduism. During Simhastha, the demand for Bhasma Aarti passes will far exceed supply. The temple trust will likely release a limited number of passes for pilgrims during Simhastha, possibly through a lottery or early-reservation system.
Fly to Ujjain’s Simhastha packages include confirmed Bhasma Aarti passes as part of our all-inclusive bundles. We secure these slots months in advance so you do not have to worry. If you want to attend Bhasma Aarti during Simhastha 2028, do not wait — enquire now.
Simhastha 2028 Packages from Fly to Ujjain
We are currently taking early registrations for our Simhastha 2028 pilgrimage packages. Each package includes:
- ✈️ Return flight booking assistance (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and all major cities)
- 🚗 Pre-booked AC cab from Indore airport to Ujjain and back
- 🏨 Hotel or tent city accommodation near Mahakaleshwar (3, 5 or 7 nights)
- 🛕 Confirmed Bhasma Aarti pass at Mahakaleshwar Temple
- 🙏 VIP Mahakaleshwar darshan with guide
- 🛶 Ram Ghat evening aarti boat ride
- 🗺️ All 84 Mahadeva temples tour (optional)
- 📱 24/7 on-ground support throughout your stay
Why Simhastha 2028 Will Be Different
The 2028 Simhastha will be unlike any previous Kumbh in Ujjain for several reasons:
- New airport: The planned Ujjain airport will allow direct flights, reducing travel time significantly for many pilgrims
- Post-pandemic pent-up demand: Pilgrim numbers are expected to set all-time records
- Digital darshan booking: The MP government is building digital infrastructure for online temple access management
- International pilgrim influx: The Hindu diaspora worldwide is expected to travel in large numbers — especially from the USA, UK, Australia and Southeast Asia
- Infrastructure upgrades: Wide roads, metro connectivity between Indore and Ujjain, and upgraded ghats are all being planned
Frequently Asked Questions: Simhastha 2028
When exactly is Simhastha 2028?
Simhastha 2028 is expected between April and June 2028. Exact dates will be announced by the Madhya Pradesh government and the Ujjain temple authorities based on astronomical calculations. We will update this page with confirmed dates as soon as they are released.
How many people attend Simhastha Kumbh Mela?
The 2016 Simhastha drew approximately 75 million visitors. The 2028 edition is expected to draw over 150 million pilgrims — making it potentially the largest peaceful gathering in human history.
How do I book a Simhastha 2028 package?
Contact Fly to Ujjain via the enquiry form or WhatsApp to register your interest in Simhastha 2028 packages. We are currently accepting early registrations and will confirm packages once official dates are announced. Early registrations get priority allocation and locked-in pricing.
Is Ujjain getting a new airport for Simhastha 2028?
Yes. The AAI and the Madhya Pradesh government have signed an MoU for a new greenfield airport near Ujjain. The airport is planned to be operational before or during Simhastha 2028. Until then, Indore Airport (55 km away) remains the main gateway to Ujjain.