What is Bhadarvi Poonam?
Bhadarvi Poonam is the full moon day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually falling in September. At Ambaji, this day marks the single largest gathering of the year and is widely known as the Ambaji Mela. Devotees travel from across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and beyond, many completing the final stretch of their journey on foot as an act of personal devotion.
The Ambaji Mela isn't a single-day event. The build-up starts nearly a week before the Poonam itself, as pilgrim groups, locally called 'sangh' or 'padyatris', begin arriving in waves. Temporary stalls, food camps, and medical aid stations spring up along the approach roads, and the town's usual rhythm gives way to a festival atmosphere that runs day and night. By the time the full moon arrives, the temple town is at its busiest point of the entire year.
A Few Planning Points Worth Knowing:
- Official Announcements: The Banaskantha district administration announces the official fair dates, traffic diversions, and safety advisories closer to the event. Check local updates before your journey for the latest information.
- Travel & Route Information: Roads leading to Ambaji, especially from Abu Road (~20 km) and Khedbrahma, experience heavy padyatri movement in the days leading up to Bhadarvi Poonam. Allow extra travel time and expect temporary traffic restrictions.
- Accommodation Essentials: Hotels and guesthouses in Ambaji fill up quickly during the festival. Booking your stay well in advance is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable pilgrimage experience.
The Padyatra: Walking to Ambaji
The Bhadarvi Poonam Mela Ambaji is best known for its centuries-old padyatra tradition, where thousands of devotees walk to the temple as an expression of faith. Groups of devotees, often organised by village, family, or local mandal, walk for days from towns across Gujarat and Rajasthan, carrying flags, singing bhajans, and stopping at community-run food and rest camps set up along the route specifically for this season.
Some padyatris cover the distance in a single overnight walk from nearby towns; others walk for a week or more from further away. The roads into Ambaji are lined with volunteer stalls offering water, tea, and simple meals to walking pilgrims, a tradition that runs almost entirely on community effort. If you're travelling by vehicle during this period, expect the approach roads to be shared with large padyatri groups, especially after sunset when walking is more common due to cooler temperatures.
What to Expect At the Mela: Crowds, Timings, and Tips
The Bhadarvi Poonam Mela Ambaji attracts lakhs of devotees every year, so planning your visit in advance will help ensure a smoother experience. A few practical notes for anyone planning to attend:
- Crowds peak after dark: Many padyatris walk through the night to avoid daytime heat, so roads and the temple approach are busiest from evening through early morning
- Darshan queues run far longer than usual: Temple authorities extend hours and add crowd-management barricades during the mela; build in extra time for any darshan attempt
- Parking fills up early: Vehicles are often directed to designated lots outside the main town, with the last stretch covered on foot or by shuttle
- Carry minimal belongings: Mobile phones, cameras, and electronic gadgets aren't permitted inside the temple at any time of year, mela included
- Plan meals: With food stalls catering primarily to moving padyatri traffic, a fixed base with reliable dining, like a nearby resort, is worth having for anyone not travelling as part of a padyatri group
- Carry cash: Carry sufficient cash, as digital payment options may be limited in some areas
For everything else about the temple itself, darshan timings, routes on a regular day, and nearby places to explore, see our full Ambaji Temple guide.
Where to Stay for Bhadarvi Poonam: Vinti Resort
If you're attending the Ambaji Mela but not walking in as part of a padyatra, having a comfortable base nearby makes a real difference. Vinti Resort is located about 4 km from Ambaji Temple, a short drive from the main temple complex. It's worth repeating: this is a drive, not a walking distance, particularly once Mela road diversions are in effect.
Our resort features thoughtfully designed rooms and villas nestled against the Aravalli Hills, allowing a serene retreat to unwind in after a long day at the mela.
During your stay, you can enjoy wholesome, pure vegetarian cuisine at Eatlicious, the resort's all-day dining restaurant, which serves an extensive buffet and à la carte menu prepared with fresh ingredients. Whether you're fuelling up before an early temple visit or returning after a long day of festivities, you'll find comforting meals to suit every palate. If you're looking for a quick cup of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a light snack between visits, the Coffee Shop provides the perfect place to pause and refresh.