Kumbh Mela calendar — 2026
A lead-up year: one completed Magh Mela at Prayagraj, then the formal opening of the live Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh on 31 October. Every month below, with the dates that matter marked.
The year at a glance
What actually happens in 2026
Two separate events, four months apart, and nothing in between — 2026 is quieter than the years either side of it, but it sets up everything that follows.
| Date | Event | City | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Jan 2026 | Paush Purnima | Prayagraj | Magh Mela begins, Kalpavas starts |
| 18 Jan 2026 | Mauni Amavasya | Prayagraj | Magh Mela's principal bathing day |
| 15 Feb 2026 | Maha Shivratri | Prayagraj | Magh Mela's closing bathing day |
| 31 Oct 2026 | Dhwajarohan | Nashik–Trimbakeshwar | Formal opening of the live 2026–27 Kumbh cycle |
No Amrit Snan's principal bathing days fall within 2026 itself — Nashik's begin in August 2027. For the narrative version of this year, see Kumbh Mela 2026.
Month by month
Every month of 2026
Solid orange marks a confirmed bathing day. An outlined ring marks a non-bathing milestone — an opening, closing, or ceremonial date.
January
2026February
2026March
2026April
2026May
2026June
2026July
2026August
2026September
2026October
2026November
2026December
2026Frequently asked
Questions about the 2026 calendar
No Purna or Ardh Kumbh's principal Amrit Snan days fall in 2026 itself. The year opens with Prayagraj's annual Magh Mela in January–February, then the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh formally opens on 31 October 2026, with its main Amrit Snan days following in 2027.
31 October 2026 — Dhwajarohan, the flag-hoisting that formally opens the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh, the live cycle this whole calendar is built around.
An annual gathering at the Prayagraj Sangam, smaller than a full Kumbh, running from Paush Purnima in early January through Maha Shivratri in mid-February, with Mauni Amavasya on 18 January as its principal bathing day.
2027 Calendar →
The year the current cycle's principal Amrit Snan days actually fall.
Kumbh Mela 2026 →
The narrative overview of this year.
Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Guide →
The full picture on the cycle this year opens.