ॐ Jai Gajanan ॐ
Kumbh Mela 2027 Flag Hoisting on 31 October 2026: Dhwajarohan at Trimbakeshwar and Nashik
The Simhastha Kumbh formally begins on Saturday, 31 October 2026, with the Dhwajarohan (flag hoisting) at Kushavarta Tirtha in Trimbakeshwar and at Ramkund in Nashik. News reports say the flag hoisting is set for 12:02 pm, at the same time at Ramkund and at Kushavarta. The flag stays up for the whole Kumbh period and comes down on 24 July 2028.
This is the first big day of the Kumbh. Below we explain what the Dhwajarohan is, what has been announced so far, and how to plan your visit to Trimbakeshwar on that day. We will update this page as the administration shares more details.
What the Dhwajarohan is
Dhwajarohan means raising the flag. At a Kumbh, the flag marks the formal start of the Kumbh period. From this day, the town is in Kumbh time, with its bathing days, processions and rituals.
At Nashik-Trimbakeshwar the Kumbh period is long. It starts on 31 October 2026 and ends on 24 July 2028, when the flag is lowered. The three Amrit Snans fall in between, in August and September 2027. See the full list in our Kumbh 2027 dates and Amrit Snan schedule.
If you are new to the Kumbh, start with what Simhastha means. It explains why this Kumbh comes once in 12 years.
What has been announced for 31 October 2026
The Maharashtra government announced the start date in June 2025, as reported by PTI. The Kumbh begins with the flag hoisting at both Trimbakeshwar and Ramkund in Nashik.
- Ramkund, Nashik: A Free Press Journal report (20 September 2026) says the main flag hoisting is scheduled for 12:02 pm.
- Kushavarta Tirtha, Trimbakeshwar: A later Free Press Journal report says the flag will be hoisted here at the same time as at Ramkund, 12:02 pm. The district administration has closed Kushavarta Kund to pilgrims from 1 to 31 October 2026 for repair and cleaning work ahead of the Kumbh.
- Who is expected: Sadhus and mahants from the akhadas, religious leaders, public representatives and senior officials. The report says the administration is preparing to invite the President of India, but this has not been officially confirmed.
A 31-foot flagstaff (dhwaj stambh) has been put up at Kushavarta Tirtha. It carries an artistic depiction of the Samudra Manthan, and its puja and unveiling took place on 15 October 2026. We track these reports on our latest Kumbh updates page.
Why there are two flag hoistings
The Kumbh here is held in two towns, about 28 km apart. The Shaiva akhadas, including the Naga sadhus, bathe at Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar. The Vaishnava akhadas bathe at Ramkund in Nashik.
So each town has its own flag. You can read how this arrangement began in our guide on why the Kumbh has two snan sites, and about the akhadas themselves in akhadas and the Amrit Snan.
Planning your visit on 31 October
Public access and traffic plans for the day have not been announced yet. Until they are, plan for a crowded town.
- Check official announcements a day or two before for road and entry rules.
- Reach Trimbakeshwar the evening before if you can, so you are not on the road that morning.
- Walk where you can, rather than depending on a vehicle.
- Keep a small bag, water and your phone charged. Agree on a meeting point with your family.
- If you want temple darshan the same day, go early. The temple is open from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM; see our temple timings guide.
31 October 2026 is a Saturday, and weekends are already the busiest days at Trimbakeshwar. If this is your first Kumbh, our first-time Kumbh guide has more tips on crowds and travelling with family.
Getting to Trimbakeshwar
Trimbakeshwar is about 28 km from Nashik. MSRTC and city buses run between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar every 15–30 minutes, from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Nashik Road is the nearest railway station, 35–36 km away.
For routes from Mumbai, Pune and Shirdi, read how to reach Trimbakeshwar. Bus timings may change around big days, so ask at the bus stand.
Staying in Trimbakeshwar for the flag hoisting
Our Bhakta Niwas is on Jawahar Road, next to the New Bus Stand. Kushavarta Kund is about 1.5 km away, a 10–15 minute walk, and the temple is about 900 m away. Check-in is open 24 hours, so you can arrive late the night before.
Guests' vehicles can come to the Bhakta Niwas, and there is free parking inside the campus. All 3 satvik meals are included in the room rate. See our rooms, and read where to stay during the Kumbh.
Bookings are only by phone call or WhatsApp on +91 90311 67563. Our guide on how to book lists what to send. For everything else about this Kumbh, see our complete Simhastha Kumbh 2027 guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kumbh Mela 2027 flag hoisting?
The flag hoisting, or Dhwajarohan, is on Saturday, 31 October 2026. It marks the formal start of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh period. The flag stays up until 24 July 2028, when it is lowered to end the Kumbh period.
What time is the flag hoisting at Ramkund?
A Free Press Journal report from 20 September 2026 says the main flag hoisting at Ramkund, Nashik, is scheduled for 12:02 pm on 31 October. A later report says the flag at Kushavarta Tirtha in Trimbakeshwar will be hoisted at the same time. Check official announcements close to the day, as timings can change.
Where does the flag hoisting happen in Trimbakeshwar?
In Trimbakeshwar, the ceremonies are held at Kushavarta Tirtha, the sacred kund in the town. A 31-foot flagstaff has been put up there, its puja was held on 15 October 2026, and the flag is to be hoisted at 12:02 pm. Kushavarta is about 1.5 km from our Bhakta Niwas, a 10–15 minute walk.
Will the President attend the Kumbh flag hoisting?
A Free Press Journal report says the administration is preparing to invite the President of India to the main ceremony in Nashik. It also says the President's attendance has not been officially confirmed. We will update this page if it is confirmed.
Can I take my car into Trimbakeshwar on 31 October?
No traffic rules for 31 October have been announced yet. Check official announcements a day or two before. Guests of our Bhakta Niwas can park free inside the Sansthan campus on Jawahar Road.
Planning a stay in Trimbakeshwar?
Book on WhatsApp or by phone at +91 90311 67563. Check-in is open 24 hours, and all 3 satvik meals are included.