Updated 3 November 2026
- A five-day fair at the Bhavnath Mahadev temple, Girnar Taleti, ending on Maha Shivratri
- Maha Shivratri 2027 is expected on Saturday, 6 March — the fair begins about four days earlier
- Main moment: the midnight Ravedi procession of Naga sadhus and their dip in Mrigi Kund
- In 2026 the fair ran 11–15 February and the Ravedi route was lengthened to about 2 km
Once a year, hundreds of Naga sadhus walk through the foothills of Girnar by torchlight and bathe at midnight in a temple tank. The Bhavnath fair, sometimes called Gujarat’s mini Kumbh, is one of the most striking nights in Saurashtra.
What the fair is
The Bhavnath fair is held at the Bhavnath Mahadev temple near Damodar Kund at Girnar Taleti, some 8 km from Junagadh. It lasts five days and culminates on the night of Maha Shivratri. The fair is so old that its origins are not recorded. It opens with the hoisting of a flag, and the akhadas — the camps of the Naga sadhus — become centres of prayer, discourse and music for the duration.
Dates for 2027
Maha Shivratri follows the lunar calendar and moves each year. In 2026 it fell on 15 February, and the fair ran from 11 to 15 February. In 2027 Maha Shivratri is expected on Saturday, 6 March, which would put the fair in the first week of March. Confirm the exact schedule locally as it approaches.
The night of the Ravedi
The highlight is the Ravedi, the procession of Naga sadhus. According to published schedules for 2026, the sadhus gather at their akhadas in the evening and the procession starts after about 9 p.m., reaching the temple area around 10 to 11:30 p.m. For 2026 the route was lengthened from about 1.5 km to about 2 km because of the crowds.
At midnight the sadhus take a ritual dip in Mrigi Kund, the tank beside the temple, after which the midnight worship and the great aarti follow. The temple stays open around the clock during the fair, and Shivratri night is observed with worship in four watches (prahars) until morning.
The belief behind the night
Devotees say that at midnight on Maha Shivratri the nine Naths and the 84 Siddhas come down from Girnar to bathe in Mrigi Kund, and that they move unseen among the Naga sadhus. That belief is why the fair is so closely tied to the Nath tradition. Read more about those teachers in the nine Naths.
Tips for visitors
- Expect lakhs of people. Authorities typically run extra state buses and set up facilities for the crowd; for 2026 about 195 additional buses and thousands of trips were reported.
- Arrive early in the afternoon, settle in, and plan to stay until after midnight.
- Dress warmly and modestly. Late-winter nights can be cool; remove footwear in temple areas.
- Be respectful. Ask before photographing sadhus, keep clear of the procession path, and follow police instructions.
- Keep valuables safe and agree a meeting point with your group.
Staying close
Rooms near Bhavnath Taleti are taken weeks ahead of Shivratri. Triloknath Ashram stands in the same neighbourhood; ring +91 96274 27283 early, share your dates and the size of your group, and see the rooms.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Bhavnath Mela in 2027?
Around Maha Shivratri, expected on 6 March 2027, with the five-day fair starting about four days earlier.
What is the Ravedi?
The midnight procession of Naga sadhus that ends with their ritual dip in Mrigi Kund.
Where is the fair held?
At the Bhavnath Mahadev temple at Girnar Taleti, about 8 km from Junagadh.
Is it crowded?
Yes — lakhs of visitors attend, so arrive early and book lodging well in advance.
More from the notebook
Planning a stay near Girnar?
Ring the office for rooms and dates at Bhavnath Taleti.
+91 96274 27283