The Junagadh Shivratri Mela is one of Gujarat’s most sacred celebrations dedicated to Lord Shiva. Held at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, the fair is known for its midnight Maha Puja, Naga sadhu procession, and the belief that Lord Shiva visits this site on Maha Shivratri night.
If you are planning to visit the Junagadh Shivratri Mela 2026, here’s a simple and practical guide to help you plan your trip.
The Maha Shivratri Mela in Junagadh is held every year on Maha Shivratri during the Hindu month of Magha (February-March). This year, the Junagadh Shivratri Mela 2026 will run from 11th February to 15th February.
The Shivratri Mela at Junagadh is traditionally a five-day event. It begins four days before Maha Shivratri and ends with the Maha Puja on the night of Maha Shivratri.
The Junagadh Shivratri Mela takes place at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, located at the base of the Girnar hills. The Girnar hills are believed to be a sacred pilgrimage site for devotees of Shiva.
According to legend in the Skanda Purana, when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were travelling in a celestial chariot, one of Parvati’s divine ornaments fell near the Bhavnath temple. As a result, the area came to be known as Vastra Putakshetra.
It is also believed that the Bhavnath Temple houses a swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Linga, which has been worshipped for generations. Local legends also say that Lord Shiva visits Girnar on the night of Maha Shivratri, making this occasion especially sacred for devotees.
The Junagadh Shivratri Mela has several key rituals and events:
The Junagadh Maha Shivratri Mela begins with the flag hoisting ceremony (Dhvajarohan) at the Bhavnath Temple. The flag is hoisted by Naga sadhus to mark their significance in the Maha Shivratri celebrations.
One of the main highlights of the Junagadh Shivratri Mela is the Naga Sadhu procession. It is also called the Ravadi March and takes place on the night of Maha Shivratri after 9 P.M. During the procession, the naked Naga Sadhus walk to the sacred Mrigi Kund.
The Sadhus walk in a grand night parade. Some arrive on decorated chariots or elephants. Conch shells are blown to announce their arrival, and large crowds gather to witness this powerful spiritual event.
The Naga Sadhus take a holy dip in the sacred Mrigi Kund at midnight. This ritual bath is very important as it is believed to purify the body and soul.
A large crowd gathers to witness this special moment during the Maha Shivratri Mela in Junagadh. Devotees who are unable to attend in person can watch the Junagadh Shivratri Mela live to witness the holy dip.
The midnight Maha Puja on Maha Shivratri is considered the most important ritual during the Junagadh Shivratri Mela.
A grand puja is offered to Lord Bhavnath at the temple. Thousands of devotees stand together, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya,” singing bhajans, and praying together.
Girnar Parikrama is a sacred walk around the Girnar hills. Many devotees perform the Parikama, or circumambulation of the hills, as an act of faith and devotion before visiting the Mela, but it is typically done in November.
The Girnar Parikrama route is 36 km long and circles the Girnar Mountain range. The route is divided into four main stretches:
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Route |
Distance |
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Bhavnath-Zina Bava Ni Madhi |
12 km |
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Zina Bava Ni Madhi-Malvela |
8 km |
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Malvela-Bordevi |
8 km |
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Bordevi-Bhavnath |
8 km |
The Parikama path passes through thick forests, small hills, and scenic natural stretches around Girnar. Along the way, pilgrims can visit temples such as Chandra Mauleshwar, Malvela, Sarkhadiya Hanuman, and Bordevi.
Most devotees complete the 36 km Parikrama in one to two days. But it also depends on your pace and rest breaks.
Attempted the Girnar Parikrama may be well-suited for:
Devotees who are physically fit
People used to long-distance walking
Pilgrims who understand the spiritual importance of the parikrama
It is not recommended for those with serious health issues or older people.
If you’re attempting the Girnar Parikrama, keep the following safety tips in mind:
The Junagadh Shivratri Mela is held at Bhavnath Temple in Girnar Taleti. The nearest city is Junagadh, which is about 6 km from Girnar. From Junagadh city, you can take a local bus, auto-rickshaw, or cab to reach the temple area.
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Details |
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By Bus |
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By Train |
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If you are attending the Maha Shivratri Mela in Junagadh, keep these practical tips in mind:
Reach early on Maha Shivratri night. The Naga sadhu procession and midnight puja attract huge crowds after 9 p.m.
Book buses and accommodation in advance. Rooms and return tickets fill up quickly during Junagadh Shivratri Mela dates.
Be ready for heavy footfall near Bhavnath Temple. Also note that mobile networks may slow down due to the crowd.
Wear simple, comfortable clothes and good footwear since you may have to walk long distances.
Carry only essentials. Keep your wallet and phone secure in crowded areas.
Follow police and administration instructions. Stick to marked routes and entry/exit points for safety.
As the Junagadh Shivratri Mela 2026 dates approach, buses to Junagadh are likely to fill up quickly. That’s why it’s a good idea to check schedules and book your bus tickets in advance through redBus so you can travel without last-minute hassle.
The Junagadh Shivratri Mela 2026 will be held from 11th February to 15th February 2026. The main rituals and midnight Maha Puja take place on Maha Shivratri night, which falls on 15th February 2026.
The mela is held at Bhavnath Temple, located in Girnar Taleti at the foothills of Mount Girnar. It is about 8 km away from Junagadh city in Gujarat.
The Maha Shivratri Mela in Junagadh is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees gather for the Naga sadhu procession, holy dip at Mrigi Kund, and midnight puja. It is one of Gujarat’s most important and spiritually significant Shivratri celebrations. It is believed that Lord Shiva visits the Bhavnath Temple on this occasion.
During Maha Shivratri, the temple remains open for 24 hours. Special pujas and rituals continue late into the night, with the grand Maha Puja performed at midnight on Maha Shivratri.
The Junagadh Shivratri Mela is often called a ‘Mini Kumbh’ because thousands of Naga sadhus gather here, just like they do during the Kumbh Mela. The late-night procession and the holy dip at Mrigi Kund are similar to the rituals seen at the Kumbh.
