The Dhwajavatarana is the ceremony that closes the Simhastha. The sacred flag hoisted at the Dhwajarohan on 31 October 2026 is lowered, and with it the Simhastha formally comes to an end. For the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, that day is 24 July 2028.
The lowering completes the sacred period that began with the hoisting. The major Mela period, with the Amrut Snans, falls within it, from 15 June to 30 September 2027; see the Snan calendar.
Where the ceremony is held
The flag is lowered where it was hoisted, 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 lowered with prayers and rituals, in the presence of saints, priests and devotees.
What the Dhwajavatarana means
Just as raising the flag announces that the sacred period has begun, lowering it marks its completion. For many devotees, it is a moment to give thanks for the Simhastha that has passed, and to take leave of it until the next one, about twelve years later.
The Simhastha is a long sacred period, not only the months of the major Mela. Parva Snan days continue after the major Mela period ends on 30 September 2027, and the Snan calendar lists them into 2028; see Parva Snan days. The lowering itself is listed in the Snan calendar too, with its muhurat.
Programme and timings
NTKMA will publish the programme and timings for both places closer to the date, on the notices page and in live updates. The muhurat for the lowering is shown in the Snan calendar. If the ceremony is streamed officially, the link will appear on the official live streams page.
See noticesIf you plan to attend
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.
- The ceremony falls in the monsoon: carry rain protection, take care on wet ghat steps, and follow any advisory about the river level.
- Carry drinking water, and leave valuables at home.
- Stay behind the barriers, and don't push towards the ceremony.
In an emergency, call 112.