Purna Kumbh — the standard full Kumbh, explained
The main event: a full Kumbh Mela, once every 12 years, at each of the four host cities.
What it means
"Purna" means complete or full. A Purna Kumbh is the standard, complete version of the festival at any of the four cities.
Where it happens
All four cities — Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik and Ujjain — each host a Purna Kumbh once every 12 years.
Currently underway
2026–27
Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha.
The full 12-year rotation
Every Purna Kumbh, city by city
Why 12 years
The astronomy behind the interval
Jupiter takes roughly 12 years to complete one full transit of the zodiac. Each host city's Purna Kumbh is triggered when Jupiter (along with the Sun and Moon, depending on the city) returns to the specific zodiacal position associated with that location — so the same city only qualifies once per full Jupiter cycle.
Related terms
How Purna Kumbh compares
Ardh Kumbh — the smaller half-cycle event at Haridwar or Prayagraj only
Simhastha Kumbh — the name used when the Purna Kumbh falls under a Leo (Simha) alignment
Maha Kumbh — the rare, larger designation at Prayagraj only, once every 144 years