Ardh Kumbh Mela · 14 Jan – 20 Apr 2027

Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela 2027

The Ardh Kumbh Mela returns to Haridwar from 14 January to 20 April 2027. Pilgrims, sadhus and akharas from across India come to take a holy dip in the Ganga, especially on the main snan (bathing) days.

This guide covers the snan dates, how to reach Haridwar, where to stay, and practical tips for families and elderly travellers. Dates are as announced by the Uttarakhand government; please check the official mela website before you travel.

Last checked:

Quick facts

Dates
14 Jan – 20 Apr 2027
Place
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Main ghat
Har Ki Pauri (Brahma Kund)
Snan days
10, including 3 Amrit Snans
Amrit Snans
6 Mar, 8 Mar, 14 Apr 2027
Nearest airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Haridwar Kumbh 2027 snan dates

  1. Makar Sankranti
  2. Mauni Amavasya
  3. Basant Panchami
  4. Maghi Purnima
  5. Maha ShivratriAmrit Snan
  6. Phalgun AmavasyaAmrit Snan
  7. Nav Samvatsar (Hindu New Year)
  8. Mesh Sankranti (Baisakhi)Amrit Snan
  9. Shri Ram Navami
  10. Chaitra Purnima

On Amrit Snan days the akharas bathe first in a grand procession, crowds are at their peak, and some ghats and roads may be closed to the public for part of the day. If you are travelling with elderly family members or small children, a normal snan day is usually easier.

Source: dates as announced by the Uttarakhand government, reported by Outlook India: CM Dhami announces Kumbh 2027 bathing dates, The Week (PTI): Dates announced for Ardh Kumbh bathing festivals. Always confirm with the official mela website before travelling.

How to reach Haridwar

How to reach Haridwar from your city

By train

Haridwar Junction railway station is in the city, close to the main ghats. It has direct trains from Delhi and many other cities.

Trains fill up fast around snan days, so book as early as your booking window allows. Indian Railways usually runs special trains for the Kumbh: to be announced, please check the official source closer to the date.

By air

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, about 37 km from Haridwar. From the airport you can take a taxi or bus to Haridwar.

By road

Haridwar is connected by road to Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh and the rest of North India. Uttarakhand Transport (UTC) and other state buses run regular services.

During the mela, private vehicles are usually stopped at parking areas outside the city and pilgrims continue by shuttle or on foot. To be announced, please check the official source closer to the date.

Inside the mela area

Expect to walk a lot, often several kilometres on main snan days. Wear comfortable footwear and plan rest stops. To be announced, please check the official source closer to the date.

Where to stay for Haridwar Kumbh 2027

  • Tent camps

    Temporary tent cities are set up near the mela area. They range from basic tents with shared toilets to cottages with attached bathrooms and meals.

    Good for: Experiencing the mela up close

    Price guide: Ask us for current prices

    For reference only: at the last Kumbh (Maha Kumbh 2025, Prayagraj), the UP Tourism (UPSTDC) tent colony charged Rs 1,500 to Rs 35,000 per day, and IRCTC’s Mahakumbh Gram Rs 10,500 to Rs 30,000 per night with breakfast. Rates here will differ. (Business Today)

  • Hotels

    Haridwar has hotels for every budget. Rooms near Har Ki Pauri sell out first and prices rise sharply around snan days, so book early.

    Good for: Families and elderly travellers who need comfort

    Price guide: Ask us for current prices

  • Dharamshalas & ashrams

    Many dharamshalas and ashrams offer simple, clean rooms at low cost. Some take bookings only in person or by phone, and many have house rules such as fixed gate timings.

    Good for: Budget and spiritual stays

    Price guide: Ask us for current prices

  • Stay in Rishikesh

    If Haridwar is full, Rishikesh is a short trip up the road and has many more rooms. Allow extra travel time on snan days, when roads are crowded.

    Good for: Last-minute bookings and longer trips

    Price guide: Ask us for current prices

Tell us your dates and get options from verified local partners

Tips & safety

Safety tips for elderly pilgrims

  • Pick a normal snan day rather than an Amrit Snan day if you can. Crowds are much smaller.
  • Go for your dip early in the morning, before the biggest crowds arrive.
  • Bathe only at ghats with chains or railings, and hold the chain. The Ganga current at Haridwar is strong.
  • Put a card in each pocket with name, phone number of a family member, hotel name, and any medical conditions.
  • Carry regular medicines for a few extra days, plus a copy of prescriptions.
  • Fix one easy-to-find meeting point (and time) in case anyone gets separated.
  • Keep warm in January and February: mornings by the river are cold. From March, carry water and a cap.

General tips

  • Carry a photo ID (Aadhaar or similar) for every traveller.
  • Keep your phone charged and carry a small power bank. Networks get slow in big crowds, so save important numbers on paper too.
  • Keep cash in small notes; UPI may not always work when networks are busy.
  • Leave jewellery and valuables at home. Use a body pouch for cash and phone.
  • Follow police and volunteer instructions, and use only marked routes to and from the ghats.
  • If anyone gets lost, go straight to the nearest police post or lost-and-found centre (khoya-paya kendra).

Emergency numbers

  • All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance): 112

Need a stay, tent or package?

Tell us your dates. A verified local partner will call you with options. Free, no obligation.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Haridwar Kumbh in 2027?

The Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela 2027 runs from 14 January (Makar Sankranti) to 20 April 2027 (Chaitra Purnima), with 10 main snan (bathing) dates in between.

What are the Amrit Snan dates for Haridwar Kumbh 2027?

The three Amrit Snans are on 6 March 2027 (Maha Shivratri), 8 March 2027 (Phalgun Amavasya) and 14 April 2027 (Mesh Sankranti). These are the days the akharas take their ceremonial bath and the crowds are biggest.

What is the difference between Ardh Kumbh and Kumbh?

Ardh means half. The Purna (full) Kumbh is held in Haridwar about once every 12 years, and the Ardh Kumbh is held roughly midway between two Purna Kumbhs. The rituals and snan days are similar.

Which is the best day to visit with elderly parents?

A normal snan day, or a weekday that is not a snan day, is usually much calmer than an Amrit Snan day. Go to the ghat early in the morning and bathe only where there are chains or railings.

How do I reach Haridwar for the Kumbh?

Haridwar Junction railway station has direct trains from Delhi and many other cities. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Buses run from Delhi, Dehradun and across North India. During the mela, private vehicles are usually parked outside the city.

Where can I stay during the Haridwar Kumbh?

You can stay in tent camps near the mela area, hotels, dharamshalas or ashrams in Haridwar, or in nearby Rishikesh. Book early, especially for snan dates, as rooms near the ghats fill up first.

Official information