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State Emblem of India महाराष्ट्र शासनGovernment of Maharashtraनाशिक जिल्हा · Nashik District
Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Mahakumbh MelaSeal of the Government of Maharashtra
LIVE ADVISORIES

Dhwajarohan Ceremony

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 opens with the Dhwajarohan, the hoisting of the sacred flag, on 31 October 2026. Here is what the ceremony means, and what to expect if you plan to attend.

The Dhwajarohan is the ceremony that opens the Simhastha. It is held when Jupiter (Guru) enters Simha (Leo), the alignment that gives the Simhastha its name (see the astrological basis). For the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, that day is 31 October 2026.

The hoisting opens a sacred period that lasts until the Dhwajavatarana, the lowering of the flag, on 24 July 2028. The major Mela period, with the Amrut Snans, falls in between, from 15 June to 30 September 2027; see the Snan calendar.

Where the ceremony is held

The ceremony is held at the two sacred sites of the Simhastha: at Ramtirth in Nashik and at Kushavarta Tirth in Trimbakeshwar, about 28 km apart (see Why Nashik and Trimbakeshwar). At each place the flag is hoisted with prayers and rituals, in the presence of saints, priests and devotees.

What the Dhwajarohan means

In Hindu tradition, a dhwaja, a sacred flag, is raised to mark a festival or a holy occasion. At the Simhastha, its hoisting announces that the sacred period has begun. The tradition holds that while Jupiter is in Simha, the Godavari carries the merit of every tirtha, which is why a snan during the Simhastha is so highly valued.

The hoisting is itself treated as a parva, an auspicious occasion: the Snan calendar lists it as the Dhwaj Parv, with its muhurat.

Programme and timings

NTKMA will publish the programme and timings for both places on the notices page and in live updates. The muhurat for the hoisting is shown in the Snan calendar. If the ceremony is streamed officially, the link will appear on the official live streams page.

See notices

What to expect

Expect crowds at Ramtirth and Kushavarta Tirth and in the lanes around them, and possible traffic restrictions on the roads leading there.

  • Arrive early, and follow the entry and exit arrangements and the directions of the police and volunteers.
  • Check traffic and diversion status before you set out.
  • Keep children and elderly family members close, and agree on a meeting point in case you are separated.
  • Carry drinking water, and leave valuables at home.
  • Stay behind the barriers, and don't push towards the ceremony.

In an emergency, call 112.