Every year the small but sacred town of Khatu in Sikar district of Rajasthan hosts one of India’s biggest religious fairs — Khatu Shyam Falgun Mela. The fair is a celebration of the faith and devotion of millions who come to seek blessings from Lord Khatu Shyam Ji also known as Shyam Baba the God of faith, sacrifice and compassion.
During the Mela the whole town turns into a sea of devotion — streets are decorated with colorful flags, lamps are lit everywhere and the sound of bhajans and “Shyam Baba Ki Jai” is heard day and night. Devotees from all over India and abroad travel hundreds of kilometers, many even on foot, to attend this divine fair.
If you are planning to attend Khatu Shyam Falgun Mela 2026 this guide will help you with everything — from expected dates and darshan timings to how to reach, where to stay, what to expect and tips for a peaceful experience.
What is Khatu Shyam Falgun Mela?
The Khatu Shyam Falgun Mela is one of the biggest religious fair in Rajasthan. It’s for Lord Khatu Shyam Ji who is believed to be an incarnation of Barbarika, the brave grandson of Bhima from Mahabharata.
As per belief, Lord Krishna blessed Barbarika that he will be worshipped in Kali Yuga as Shyam Baba, the god who listens to every devotee’s prayer.
The Mela takes place every year in the month of Falgun (February–March). Devotees walk miles, singing bhajans and offering prasad, to attend the Mela and seek Shyam Baba’s blessings.
Also Read: Khatu Shyam Mandir Rajasthan open close timing.
Khatu Shyam Falgun Mela 2026 Dates
The temple committee has not yet provided the official dates for Khatu Shyam Falgun Mela 2026. However, taking a cue from previous years and the Hindu calendar, the Mela is approximately expected to be at the end of February to early March 2026 — around the time of the Falgun Shukla Paksha Ekadashi.
In 2025, the Mela was celebrated from February 28 to March 11 and garnered more than two million devotees over 2 weeks. Therefore, the Mela in 2026 will likely happen at a similar time — around February 25 to March 10, 2026 (tentative).
The temple trust and the Sikar district administration typically announce the schedule of the event in January 2026, including arrangements for the darshan, security measures, and any changes to routes for pilgrims.
| Year | Dates | Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 28 February – 11 March | 12 days | Confirmed by Temple Trust |
| 2026 | Expected Feb 25 – Mar 10 | 12–13 days | Awaiting official confirmation |
Tip: Always check the official Shree Shyam Mandir Khatu website or with local government notices before making your travel plans. There may be slight variations in dates based upon the lunar calendar and local areas of celebration.
What Happens During the Falgun Mela
The Khatu Shyam Falgun Mela is more than a fair – it is a large devotional celebration with joy, color, and worship. The Mela starts days prior to the date of Falgun Ekadashi and runs for days, at its height on Ekadashi and Dwadashi, when lakhs of devotees assemble for Maha Darshan.
During the festival:
- Pad Yatra (devotional walk) from Ringas to Khatu takes place, where devotees carry saffron flags and sing bhajans continuously.
- Langars (free food stalls) are organized throughout the town.
- Bhajan Sandhya programs are held every night featuring renowned singers and Shyam Bhakts.
- The Shyam Darbar is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
- Volunteers serve day and night, guiding devotees, offering water, and maintaining cleanliness.
Every area in khatu radiates devotion. Even devotees who cannot go into the main temple stand outside and fold their hands together, chanting, “Shyam Baba Ki Jai!” with a tear of love and surrender.
How to Reach Khatu Shyam Ji Temple
Getting to Khatu is easy and convenient through multiple transport options.
By Train
The nearest railway station to the temple is Ringas Junction (RGS), located about 17 kilometers from Khatu.
- Major trains connect Ringas to Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Rewari, and Sikar.
- From Ringas, frequent taxis, jeeps, and buses are available to reach the temple.
- During the Mela, the Indian Railways also schedules special trains for devotees.
Tip: If traveling from Delhi, you can board the Delhi Sarai Rohilla – Ringas Express or Jaipur Intercity Express.
By Road
Khatu is well connected by roadways and highways:
- From Jaipur: 80 km (2 hours)
- From Delhi: 280 km (6 hours)
- From Sikar: 20 km (30 minutes)
You can take state transport buses or private taxis. If driving, it’s advisable to arrive early morning as roads get congested closer to the temple during Mela days.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport (JAI), around 95 km away.
From there, you can book a private cab or car rental to reach Khatu directly in about 2–3 hours.
Where to Stay – Dharamshalas and Hotels in Khatu
Finding accommodation during the Falgun Mela can be challenging, as lakhs of devotees visit at once. To make your stay comfortable, it’s wise to book at least one month in advance.
Popular Dharamshalas (Temple-Managed and Trust-Run)
- Shree Shyam Mandir Trust Dharamshala: Located near the temple, offers basic yet clean rooms.
- Shree Shyam Sewa Sadan: Known for its spacious halls and affordable stay.
- Shree Shyam Bhakt Niwas: Ideal for families and large groups.
- Rajasthan Bhavan Dharamshala: Offers simple accommodation with dining facilities.
Budget and Mid-Range Hotels
- Hotel Shyam Palace
- Hotel Shyam Inn
- Baba Residency
- Hotel Shyam Dham
Note: Most hotels and dharamshalas provide vegetarian meals. During Mela, the temple trust also organizes free langars and rest camps with basic facilities.
Khatu Shyam Ji Darshan Timings and Aarti Schedule
The temple generally opens around 4:00 AM and remains open until 10:00 PM, but during the Falgun Mela, the timings are extended to accommodate the large number of devotees.
| Aarti | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mangla Aarti | 4:30 AM | Early morning prayer |
| Bhog Aarti | 12:00 Noon | Offering food to the deity |
| Sandhya Aarti | 7:30 PM | Evening ritual and prayers |
| Shayan Aarti | 10:00 PM | Night closing ceremony |
Devotees can also participate in continuous bhajan singing (Sankirtan) held at the temple courtyard during the Mela. It’s said that anyone who chants the name of Shyam Baba with a pure heart receives his blessings immediately.
Experience the Mela – The Energy, Crowd & Faith
The Khatu Shyam Falgun Mela is not only a ritual event — but also a festival of emotions. On the day of the festival, you will observe families, saints, travelers, and foreign pilgrims joining hands and singing, walking barefoot, and distributing food to each other. The spirit of unity is inspiring.
The temple area is alive with chants, drumming, and songs even at midnight. The line of devotees is kilometers long, but everyone waits patiently. When your heart is full of devotion, there is no reason to hurry.
Seeing the decorated idol of Shyam Baba in the temple, glowing with lights and Malhar flowers, is a memory that will last with every devotee. It is not just a darshan, but an experience to remember all your life.
Khatu Shyam Ji Tour Packages and Car Rentals
If you intend to approach Mela conveniently, a number of travel agencies and local operators offer a full Khatu Shyam Ji package from cities nearby, like Delhi, Jaipur, and Sikar.
Popular Package Options
- Delhi to Khatu Shyam Ji 1-Day Tour (Car/Bus)
- Jaipur to Khatu Shyam Ji Same-Day Trip
- 2 Days / 1 Night Khatu Shyam Package with Hotel Stay
- Falgun Mela Darshan Assistance Package
Inclusions: Pickup/drop, hotel stay, meals, darshan assistance and driver allowance.
Price: ₹2,999 – ₹5,999 per person (approx.)
Tips for Devotees Attending Falgun Mela 2026
- Reach a day in advance to avoid traffic.
- Wear light clothes and carry a cap for sun protection.
- Keep cash handy as digital payments don’t work due to network issues.
- Drink only bottled water and avoid street food.
- Use Google Maps offline mode — network is weak near the temple.
- Follow police and volunteers during the rush.
- If you are traveling with elders, consider staying in hotels with elevator.
- Don’t take videos or photos inside the temple.
Conclusion
The Khatu Shyam Falgun Mela is more than a festival; it’s a vibrant expression of faith. Whether you are attending for the first time or participate yearly, the spirituality of Khatu fills your heart with peace and appreciation. Each chant, each step, and each darshan, reinforces the belief that when you have faith, anything is possible!
As the next Falgun ushers in, make room in your heart and prepare your journey in advance. Khatu Shyam Baba is awaiting you, to bless every devotee who visits out of love and humility.
FAQs
The official dates are yet to be announced. However, based on 2025’s schedule (28 February – 11 March), the Mela in 2026 is expected to occur between February 25 and March 10, 2026. Always check official announcements in January 2026 for confirmed dates.
The Mela usually continues for 10 to 12 days, with the maximum crowd gathering around Ekadashi and Dwadashi Tithi days.
From Delhi, you can travel by train to Ringas Junction and then take a 30-minute taxi to the temple. From Jaipur, it’s a 2-hour road journey (80 km) via Sikar highway.
Early morning between 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM and late night after 10:00 PM are the best times to avoid long queues.
No, photography is not permitted inside the main sanctum. You can click photos outside or near the entry area.
Yes. Indian Railways usually runs special trains from Delhi, Jaipur, and Haryana to Ringas Junction during the Mela period. The schedules are announced 2–3 weeks before the event.
Yes, you can stay in dharamshalas, guest houses, or hotels located within walking distance of the temple. Booking early is recommended due to high demand.
The distance between Ringas Junction and Khatu Temple is about 17 kilometers, and the journey takes 25–30 minutes by car.
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