Stay1–2 nights

arrive1 days ahead

book30 days ahead

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On the Mondays of Shravan and Bhadrapada, Mahakal's silver face leaves the temple at 16:00 in a palanquin for Ram Ghat on the Shipra and back; the last Monday brings the Shahi Sawari.

Where to watch

From Mahakaleshwar temple through Kot Mohalla, Gudri Square, Bakshi Bazaar, Kahar Wadi and Harsiddhipal to Ram Ghat; returning via Ramanuj Kot, Modh Ki Dharamshala, Kartik Chowk, Dhabba Road, Chhatri Chowk, Gopal Mandir and Patni Bazaar

Free viewing

The whole route is free to watch: from the temple through Gudri and Bakshi Bazaar to Ram Ghat, where the palanquin halts for the worship with Shipra water, and back through Kartik Chowk, Chhatri Chowk and Gopal Mandir.

When to arrive

Arrive on the Sunday, the day before the Monday you want. For the Shahi Sawari on the last Monday of the season, when the crowd is largest, take your place on the route well before the palanquin leaves the temple at 16:00.

Where to stay

Stay in the old city within walking distance of the temple and the route (around Mahakal Lok, Harsiddhi and Ram Ghat), or in Freeganj near the railway station for more choice. On Sawari days vehicles are barred from the route and much of the old city from late morning, so plan to walk; Indore, about 55 km away, is the fallback.

What to book ahead

No ticket is needed to watch. Book a room early for the Shravan Mondays, and earliest of all for the Shahi Sawari on the last Monday, about a month ahead.

The festival in the app's calendar

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Mahakal Sawari in Ujjain

Where to watch

Free viewing