ॐ Jai Gajanan ॐ
Kumbh Mela 2027 Latest Updates: Nashik and Trimbakeshwar News, with Sources
This page collects confirmed news about the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh, newest first, with the source named for each item. As of 18 October 2026, the Kumbh begins with the flag hoisting on 31 October 2026, and the temple is open for darshan; the two-month closure reported earlier was only a proposal. We update this page when there is new confirmed news.
We are the Sansthan that runs the official Bhakta Niwas in Trimbakeshwar. We only list what has been reported by news agencies or announced by the administration. Plans can change, so always check official announcements before you travel.
The key dates so far
These dates were announced by the Maharashtra government in June 2025, as reported by PTI. The full table is in our Kumbh 2027 dates and Amrit Snan schedule.
- 31 October 2026: Flag hoisting at Trimbakeshwar and Nashik; the Kumbh period begins.
- 2 August 2027: First Amrit Snan.
- 31 August 2027: Second Amrit Snan.
- 11 and 12 September 2027: Third Amrit Snan, at Nashik on 11 September and at Trimbakeshwar on 12 September.
- 24 July 2028: Flag lowering; the Kumbh period ends.
October 2026
18 October 2026: Temple open; Kushavarta closed for cleaning until 31 October
The Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple is open for darshan. The two-month closure reported earlier was only a proposal, no official order has been issued, and the temple trust's website is taking online donation darshan pass bookings. The district administration has closed Kushavarta Kund to pilgrims from 1 to 31 October 2026 for repair and cleaning work ahead of the Kumbh. The Monday palkhi still goes to the kund with special permission. A Free Press Journal report says the flag hoisting on 31 October will be at 12:02 pm at both Ramkund and Kushavarta. Source: our own local information as Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, Trimbakeshwar. See our Kushavarta Kund guide.
17 October 2026: Review of parking, signboards and ghats
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) held a review meeting on parking locations, land, vehicle capacity, access roads and entry and exit plans, Punekar News reported. Directional signboards are planned in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar to help pilgrims find routes and facilities. The meeting also reviewed the Sadhugram and the ghats, including crowd movement, lighting and safety. No parking sites or capacities have been named yet.
15 October 2026: Puja for the Kumbh flagstaff at Kushavarta
The 31-foot flagstaff (dhwaj stambh) of the Kumbh now stands at Kushavarta Tirtha in Trimbakeshwar. A puja was performed for it on 15 October, the Free Press Journal reported. The flagstaff carries an artistic depiction of the Samudra Manthan, with an image of Lord Ganesha at the bottom and Garuda carrying the amrit kalash at the top. Read about the day in our guide to the 31 October flag hoisting, and about the kund in our Kushavarta Kund guide.
11 October 2026: Chief Minister inspects works in Trimbak
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed Kumbh works in Trimbakeshwar and Nashik on 11 October, The NewsMill reported. In Trimbak he looked at the darshan path and the ghat development. He said the work is progressing well and will be finished on schedule.
9 October 2026: Proposal to close the temple for two months
The state government is considering a proposal to close Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple to devotees from 15 October to 15 December 2026, so that Kumbh works on the special darshan pathway and the temple premises can be finished faster, the Free Press Journal reported. Contractors had asked for the closure. No decision was announced in the report. Until an official decision, the temple's normal timings apply; see our temple timings guide.
September 2026
20 September 2026: Flag hoisting time at Ramkund
A Free Press Journal report said the main flag hoisting at Ramkund, Nashik, is scheduled for 12:02 pm on 31 October, with religious ceremonies at Kushavarta Tirtha in Trimbakeshwar. The administration is preparing to invite the President of India; this has not been officially confirmed.
10 September 2026: Private land for temporary parking
The NTKMA said it will invite private landowners near the main approach roads to offer land for temporary parking during the Kumbh, Punekar News reported. Selection will depend on road access, location, traffic and safety. Details will be published through official channels.
Earlier in 2026
1 July 2026: Shivling found in the temple's Amrit Kund
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) found a stone Shivling while desilting the Amrit Kund, the historic water tank of Trimbakeshwar temple, Deccan Herald reported. The find came during the ASI's conservation work at the temple ahead of the Kumbh. Read more about the temple in our Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple guide.
20 February 2026: Kumbhdoot app announced
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled "Kumbhdoot", a voice-first AI assistant for pilgrims, Punekar News reported. It is meant to help with stay, transport, registration, payments, language help and safety alerts, in more than 20 Indian languages. It will be available on smartphones, by phone call (IVR) and at kiosks, and will roll out in phases before the 2027 Kumbh.
What we are watching next
We will add these to this page as soon as they are announced.
- The time of the flag hoisting ceremony at Kushavarta Tirtha on 31 October.
- Any decision on the proposed temple closure.
- Parking locations and the shuttle bus plan for Trimbakeshwar.
- Traffic rules for the Amrit Snan days. As currently planned, private vehicles will not be allowed into Trimbakeshwar town on the main snan days, with parking outside town and free shuttle buses.
If you are planning a trip, read our complete Simhastha Kumbh 2027 guide, our first-time Kumbh guide and why the Kumbh has two snan sites. For road and bus routes, see how to reach Trimbakeshwar.
Staying in Trimbakeshwar during the Kumbh
Our Bhakta Niwas is on Jawahar Road, next to the New Bus Stand, about 1.5 km from Kushavarta Kund and about 900 m from the temple. Guests' vehicles can come to the Bhakta Niwas, and check-in is open 24 hours.
See our rooms and our guide on where to stay during the Kumbh. Bookings are only by phone call or WhatsApp on +91 90311 67563. Read how to book our Bhakta Niwas to see what to send.
Frequently asked questions
Is Trimbakeshwar temple closed for the Kumbh?
As of 18 October 2026, the temple is open for darshan and no closure order has been issued. On 9 October, the Free Press Journal reported that the state government is considering a proposal to close the temple to devotees from 15 October to 15 December 2026, to speed up Kumbh works. We will update this page if a decision is made.
When does the Kumbh Mela 2027 start?
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh starts with the flag hoisting on 31 October 2026, at Trimbakeshwar and at Ramkund in Nashik. The Kumbh period ends on 24 July 2028. The main bathing days, the three Amrit Snans, fall in August and September 2027.
Is there an official app for the Nashik Kumbh?
The Maharashtra government has announced an AI assistant called Kumbhdoot for pilgrims. It will work on smartphones, by phone call and at kiosks, in more than 20 Indian languages. It is being rolled out in phases before the 2027 Kumbh.
Where will pilgrims park during the Kumbh?
Parking sites have not been named yet. The Kumbh Mela Authority is reviewing locations and plans to use private land near the main approach roads. On the main Amrit Snan days, private vehicles are planned to be parked outside Trimbakeshwar town, with free shuttle buses into town.
How often is this page updated?
We update this page when there is new confirmed news. Each item shows the date and the source that reported it. Always check official announcements before you travel.
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.