Frequently Asked Questions

June 26 to July 7, 2027. Twelve days. The most auspicious day is Amavasya on July 3, 2027.

The festival is dictated by the movement of Jupiter (Brihaspati). It takes roughly 12 years to orbit the sun and spends one year in each zodiac sign. The Godavari is tied to Leo (Simha Rashi), so the festival occurs when Jupiter enters Leo. The next one after 2027 will be in 2039.

For the general public, no. However, the government may introduce a token system for specific VIP ghats or designated ritual areas closer to the date to manage crowds.

It can be, with planning. Avoid the opening day, Amavasya, and the closing day, as these are the most crowded. We strongly recommend heading to the Konaseema ghats (like Antarvedi) instead of Rajahmundry. The crowds are a fraction of the size, and the water is calmer. If you must go to Rajahmundry, use the dedicated elderly entry lanes.

Between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM. The queues at major ghats move in under twenty minutes during this window. By mid-morning on busy days, wait times can exceed an hour.

Do not carry valuables into the water. Use the free lockers available at major ghats. If you lose something, immediately report it to the nearest police outpost at the ghat.

Immediately. Hotels fill up four to six months before the festival. Book a refundable room early on apps like Agoda or Booking.com, and cancel if your plans change. The government will also set up temporary tent cities, but these are basic.

No. Private vehicles are banned within a 1-kilometer radius of the main ghats. You must park at one of the three designated parking zones outside the city and take the free shuttle buses.