People often ask what the difference is between a Kumbh, an Ardh Kumbh, a Maha Kumbh and a Simhastha. Here is a simple explanation, and where the Nashik Kumbh fits in.
Kumbh Mela (Purna Kumbh)
The Kumbh Mela is held at four sacred river sites in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. Each site hosts it roughly once in twelve years, depending on the positions of Jupiter and the Sun. Read why Nashik hosts it.
Ardh Kumbh
"Ardh" means half. The Ardh Kumbh is held every six years, at Prayagraj and Haridwar.
Maha Kumbh
The Maha Kumbh is the greatest Kumbh. Tradition places it at Prayagraj after twelve Purna Kumbh cycles, about every 144 years. The most recent was held at Prayagraj in 2025.
Simhastha
Simhastha is the name used when Jupiter is in Leo (Simha). It is used for the Kumbh at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar and at Ujjain. So the Nashik Kumbh is officially the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Where Nashik Fits In
- Nashik hosts the Purna Kumbh, as a Simhastha, on the Godavari river.
- The bathing sites are Ramkund in Nashik and Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar. See Ramkund.
- The current Kumbh began on 31 October 2026 and ends on 24 July 2028. The main Amrit Snan days are in 2027. See the full calendar and what Amrit Snan means.
To see the other host cities and years, read where the next Kumbh Mela is.