Mahashivratri at Mahakaleshwar: What to Expect and How to Plan

At Mahakaleshwar, Mahashivratri is not merely observed — it is inhabited. The night that most Shiva temples mark with a special aarti becomes, in Ujjain, a continuous roar of devotion from dusk till dawn. Lakhs of pilgrims converge on a city that ordinarily holds a fraction of that number. The temple and the Mahakal Lok corridor are illuminated beyond recognition. Special rituals run through every prahar (six-hour segment) of the night. Bhasma Aarti at dawn on the festival morning is the crown jewel — and correspondingly the hardest pass to secure.

If you are considering being here for it, this guide covers what to expect honestly, how to plan your time across the night, and how to make practical decisions before you book anything.

The Spiritual Significance of Mahashivratri

Mahashivratri — the Great Night of Shiva — falls on the 14th night of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February–March). It commemorates the night Shiva performed the Tandava, his cosmic dance of creation and destruction, and is also believed to be the night of his marriage to Parvati. Together, these two stories make it the most energetically charged night of the Hindu calendar.

At Mahakaleshwar, the significance deepens because Mahakal himself governs time (kala). Every Shiva temple celebrates Mahashivratri, but at Mahakal’s own abode the night takes on a weight that pilgrims describe as tangible — as though the clock itself slows down and the veil between the material and the divine thins.

Why Mahakaleshwar Is Special on Shivratri

Mahakaleshwar is the only south-facing Jyotirlinga in the world, and this directional uniqueness adds to the festival’s intensity. The south is the direction of Yama, the god of death — and Mahakal as the Lord of Time and Dissolution governs that domain. On Mahashivratri, when the cosmic energies are at their peak, this convergence of the Lord of Time with the night of cosmic dissolution creates an atmosphere that long-time pilgrims describe as indescribable.

The Mahakal Lok corridor, inaugurated in 2022, adds a new dimension to the Shivratri experience. The 1.5 km illuminated corridor with its 108 Shiva sculptures, murals depicting scenes from the Shiva Purana, and the spectacular light show creates a processional atmosphere that pilgrims walk through before entering the main temple.

The Mythology Behind the Night

According to the Shiva Purana, Mahashivratri marks two great events:

The marriage of Shiva and Parvati — the union of consciousness (Shiva) and energy (Parvati), symbolising the merging of the individual soul with the universal
The manifestation of the Jyotirlinga — on this night, Shiva appeared as an infinite column of light (jyoti), and the place where that light touched the earth became a Jyotirlinga. Mahakaleshwar is one of those twelve spots

Understanding this mythology enriches the experience of being at the temple on the night itself.

What to Expect: The Honest Version

Every planning guide should start with reality rather than brochure language. Here is what Mahashivratri at Mahakaleshwar is actually like:

Crowds in lakhs: The city swells beyond its normal capacity. Darshan queues are measured in hours, not minutes. The temple quarter roads become pedestrian-only zones well before evening.
Pedestrianised temple quarter: Vehicle access shrinks dramatically near the temple. Auto-rickshaws and taxis cannot get close on festival night — your feet are the only reliable transport. This is the single most important planning consideration.
All-night energy: Temples, ghats, and the Mahakal Lok corridor hum continuously through the night. Sleep becomes optional and strategic — most pilgrims nap in the afternoon and power through.
Weather: February–March nights are pleasantly cool — light woollens, a shawl, or a jacket are genuinely useful. Daytime can still be warm, so layers are essential.
Special prasad and stalls: The temple trust and local vendors set up additional stalls along the approach roads. The quality varies — stick to the temple trust counters for prasad that is properly sanctified.
Security presence: The city sees a security deployment on a scale reserved for major occasions. This is reassuring rather than intrusive, but expect metal detectors and bag checks at multiple points.

The Mahashivratri Night: Prahar by Prahar

The night is traditionally divided into four prahars (roughly 6-hour segments), each with its own character. Understanding this rhythm helps you plan your energy:

Prahar 1: Sunset to Midnight The night opens with the main Mahashivratri aarti — the most elaborate of the year. Decorations are unveiled, the shikhara and corridor are lit in their full glory, and the initial wave of devotees enters the queue. This is the most visually spectacular period but also the most crowded. If you arrive between 7 PM and 10 PM, expect dense crowds and long queues.

Prahar 2: Midnight to 3 AM The crowd thins somewhat after midnight. The temple remains open and active, but the intensity shifts from spectacle to contemplation. Many pilgrims use this window for personal puja, jaap, or quiet darshan. If your group includes elderly members or young children, this is a better window for darshan than the evening rush.

Prahar 3: 3 AM to 6 AM The pre-dawn hours belong to the Bhasma Aarti. The queue starts forming around 2 AM. The air is cool, the chanting is at its most intense, and the temple energy is unlike anything else in the year. If you have a Bhasma Aarti pass, this is your window. If not, the general queue is still worth joining — the experience of being inside the temple during the Bhasma ritual on Mahashivratri is extraordinary even without a dedicated pass.

Prahar 4: 6 AM to Noon The night ends with the morning aarti and gradual dispersal. Many exhausted but fulfilled pilgrims head back to their rooms around 8–9 AM. If you stayed awake all night, this is when you crash — and it is also when you discover how valuable a nearby room with hot water and a bed truly is.

What to Wear on Mahashivratri

Dressing appropriately is part of the Shivratri preparation. The night is cool, the queues are long, and the temple floors are stone cold underfoot:

Layers are essential: A cotton kurta or shirt with a woolen jacket or shawl over it. Temperatures drop to 12–15 degrees Celsius in the pre-dawn hours.
Comfortable, easy-to-remove footwear: You will be barefoot inside the temple. Slip-on sandals or shoes are far better than lace-ups.
Avoid flashy clothing: The occasion is devotional, not fashionable. Simple, modest clothing is the norm — and it attracts less unwanted attention in dense crowds.
A small waist pouch: Keep your phone, ID, and cash secure against your body. Pickpockets operate in dense crowds, and a bag that hangs behind you is a vulnerability.
Warm socks: The stone floors of the temple and the queue area are cold in the pre-dawn hours. A pair of warm socks makes the 2-hour wait noticeably more comfortable.

Bhasma Aarti on Mahashivratri Morning

The Bhasma Aarti on Mahashivratri is the most sought-after spiritual experience of the year at Mahakaleshwar. The ritual — in which the Jyotirlinga is bathed with sacred ash (bhasma) from homa fires, accompanied by Vedic mantras and large-scale chanting — is performed with exceptional grandeur on this night.

Pass availability: Passes for Mahashivratri Bhasma Aarti are released on the official Mahakaleshwar temple portal weeks in advance. They sell out within hours, sometimes minutes, depending on demand. Our recommendation: set a reminder for the release date, be online 10 minutes early, and complete your booking as fast as your internet connection allows.

What the pass gives you: Dedicated entry, assigned seating in the Bhasma Aarti hall, a clearer view of the ritual, and a shorter overall experience time. The ritual itself runs for 45–60 minutes.

What to bring for Bhasma Aarti:

Original photo ID (name must match the pass)
Warm clothing — pre-dawn temperatures in February–March can be 10–15 degrees Celsius
Comfortable, easy-to-remove footwear (you will walk barefoot on cold stone)
No phones inside the Bhasma Aarti area — photography is strictly prohibited
A small transparent pouch for essentials if permitted

Food and Prasad on Shivratri Night

Sustaining yourself through the night requires planning. Mahashivratri is traditionally a fasting day for many devotees, but staying awake for 8–10 hours without any fuel is genuinely difficult. Here is how to manage the food situation:

Before the night begins: Eat a hearty but light meal in the late afternoon — something like khichdi, dal-rice, or a simple thali. Avoid heavy, greasy food that will make you sluggish during the all-night vigil. Finish eating at least 90 minutes before you head out so your stomach is settled.

During the night:

The temple trust distributes free prasad at several points in the complex. Mahaprasad (sanctified food) is available at designated counters inside the temple campus — look for the trust-managed counters rather than private vendors for properly sanctified prasad.
Coconut water, chaat, and roasted chana are widely available from vendors along the approach roads and inside the Mahakal Lok corridor. These are light, hydrating options that keep you going without weighing you down.
If you are fasting, fruit and dry fruit mixes sold by licensed vendors are the safest option. Confirm the vendor has a temple-issued permit — unlicensed food stalls are common and the quality is unpredictable.
Tea and chai stalls stay open all night near the corridor entrance. A hot cup of chai in the pre-dawn chill is one of the small pleasures of Shivratri.

After the morning aarti: Head straight back to your room for a proper meal. Most guest houses and hotels near the temple serve early breakfast or a light thali for returning pilgrims. This post-Sivratri meal is one of the most satisfying meals you will ever eat.

Staying Safe and Healthy Through the Night

A night of standing, walking, and sitting on the ground in dense crowds takes a physical toll. Here is how to protect yourself:

Medical facilities: The temple administration sets up a first-aid camp inside the temple complex on Mahashivratri. It is staffed through the night and handles common issues — dehydration, fainting, minor injuries. For anything serious, Ujjain’s main hospital ( Vikram University Hospital and the private facilities on Madhav Nagar road) are about 4–5 km away. Auto-rickshaws become available again after 10 AM when the roads reopen to vehicles.

Common health issues and how to prevent them:

Dehydration: The crowds are dense, the air is thick with incense and flowers, and standing for hours causes fluid loss. Drink water regularly even if you are not thirsty. Carry a bottle with a sip-lid that you can open without putting it down.
Dizziness and fainting: The combination of standing, heat from the crowd, fasting, and fatigue causes fainting spells every year. If you feel lightheaded, sit down immediately — even on the ground — and ask someone to fetch prasad water or a cold drink. The temple staff and volunteers are trained for this.
Foot problems: The stone floors of the temple and queue area are punishing after a few hours. Wear comfortable shoes that slip on and off easily, and keep your socks handy for when you are barefoot inside the temple.
Cold exposure: The pre-dawn temperature drop is real. If you are planning to be outside for the Bhasma Aarti queue (which starts at 2 AM), wear your warmest layers and keep your hands and feet covered.

Crowd safety:

Do not push or shove. The crowd moves as a single organism — aggressive movement causes ripple effects that can lead to stampede conditions.
Keep your group compact and agree on meeting points before you enter the temple complex.
If you get separated from your group, head to a known landmark (the Nandi statue, the shoe rack near Gate 1, the Mahakal Lok corridor entrance) and wait there.
Mobile networks are overloaded on Shivratri night. SMS sometimes works when voice calls do not. Share your location with family before you enter the crowd.

Practical Tips for Mahashivratri

These tips come from observing what pilgrims who have a smooth experience do differently from those who struggle:

1. Arrive before the rush. Reach the temple by 6 PM at the latest. The 7–8 PM window is when the main aarti begins and the crowd surges. Being inside before this wave arrives puts you in a far better position than trying to fight your way in through the outer gates.

2. Nap before the night. Sleep from 4 PM to 6 PM if you can. This two-hour nap is the difference between being alert through the night and dragging yourself through the prahars on autopilot.

3. Bring a portable charger. Your phone is your camera, your wallet, your map, and your connection to your group. In crowds this size, finding a charging point is impossible. A 10,000 mAh power bank is worth its weight in prasad.

4. Carry exact change. Vendors on the approach road rarely have change for 500-rupee notes. Keep a stash of 10, 20, and 50-rupee notes for prasad, chai, and snacks. It saves time and awkward fumbling at the counter.

5. Dress in layers you can carry. The temperature swings 15 degrees from afternoon to pre-dawn. A jacket you can tie around your waist or carry over your arm is more useful than one you have to hold all night. A foldable poncho or a large scarf doubles as a light blanket if you sit on the ground.

6. Use the shoe check. Most entry gates have a shoe and belt check counter. Use it. Carrying your shoes through the crowd and inside the temple is unnecessary and exhausting. The counters are secure — just keep your token safe.

7. Plan your exit strategy. Leaving the temple after the morning aarti (around 8–9 AM) means walking through a crowd of departing pilgrims heading in the same direction. If your room is within 200 metres, you will be in bed within 10 minutes. If it is across the city, you may be stuck in the dispersal crowd for an hour. This alone justifies staying within walking distance.

8. Do not skip the afternoon nap before the night. This bears repeating: the Shivratri night is 8–10 hours of activity. Your body needs a reserve. Even 90 minutes of sleep between 4 PM and 6 PM changes the entire experience from exhausting to energising.

Getting to Ujjain and Local Transport on Shivratri

By train: Ujjain Junction (code: UJN) is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Indore, and most major cities. On Mahashivratri, the Ujjain–Indore section is so packed that unreserved second-class coaches are standing-room only from the evening before. Book Tatkal as soon as your travel dates are fixed, or consider arriving a day early to avoid the crush.

By flight: The nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore (IATA: IDR), about 55 km from Ujjain. From Indore, you can hire a taxi or take the intercity bus. On Shivratri weekend, taxi prices from Indore to Ujjain surge — book in advance if possible.

By road: Ujjain sits on the Mumbai–Agra highway (NH 52) and is accessible from Indore (55 km, 1.5 hours), Bhopal (180 km, 3.5 hours), and Ahmedabad (400 km, 7 hours). State-run and private buses run frequently from Indore.

Local transport on Shivratri: On the festival night, the temple quarter is closed to all vehicles except emergency and official vehicles. Auto-rickshaws stop at the outer barricades (approximately 500–800 metres from the temple). The walk from the outer barricade to the temple gate takes 15–20 minutes through dense crowds. This is why proximity is non-negotiable.

In the daytime on Mahashivratri, auto-rickshaws operate normally but with restricted access near the temple. After the morning dispersal (9–10 AM), the roads reopen gradually.

FAQ: Mahashivratri at Mahakaleshwar

Q: What is the best time of night to do darshan? A: The post-midnight window (12–2 AM) is the best balance of crowd size and temple atmosphere. The pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti window (3–5 AM) is extraordinary if you have a pass. The evening window (7–10 PM) is the most crowded but also the most visually spectacular — go if it is your first time and you want to experience the full spectacle.

Q: Can I bring my children to Mahashivratri? A: Yes, but be realistic. The crowds, noise, and standing for hours are hard on children. If you bring them, carry them through the worst crowd stretches, bring snacks and water, and have a clear plan for when they need a break. Many families do darshan early, return to their room for a break, and come back later.

Q: Are there any VIP or special entry options for general darshan? A: Yes. The temple trust offers several special entry categories — donor passes, special darshan passes, and arrangements for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees. These are listed on the official Mahakaleshwar temple website. Availability is limited and demand is extremely high on Shivratri, so apply early.

Q: Is there accommodation available inside the temple complex? A: The temple trust operates a dharamshala (pilgrim rest house) with basic dormitory and room accommodation. It is affordable and within the complex, but it books out months in advance for Mahashivratri. Apply through the official trust website if you want to try. For more comfortable options, the rooms on our rooms page are within 200 metres of the temple gate.

Q: What time does the temple close and reopen on Mahashivratri? A: The temple remains open throughout the night of Mahashivratri — it does not close between the evening aarti and the morning aarti. The Bhasma Aarti at dawn is the first formal ritual of the new day. After the morning aarti, the temple may have a brief closing window (typically 30–45 minutes for cleaning and preparation) before reopening for regular darshan around 9–10 AM.

Q: Can I take photos inside the temple on Mahashivratri? A: Photography is generally not allowed inside the main temple sanctum. The outer corridor and the Mahakal Lok corridor allow photography. On Shivratri night, the trust may impose temporary restrictions on phone usage in specific areas due to crowd management — follow the instructions of the volunteer staff.

Q: What happens if it rains on Mahashivratri? A: Mahashivratri falls in February–March, when rain is uncommon but not impossible in central India. If it rains, the experience becomes more challenging — you will be standing in wet clothes through the night. The temple trust sets up temporary covered waiting areas along the approach roads. Bring a waterproof jacket if the forecast looks uncertain, and wear shoes that can handle wet conditions.

Q: Are there any specific rituals I should participate in on Shivratri? A: The most significant rituals are: (1) the main evening aarti at sunset, (2) the Rudra Abhishek if you have a pass for the special ritual, (3) the Bhasma Aarti at pre-dawn, and (4) the morning aarti at sunrise. Between these, personal jaap of “Om Namah Shivaya,” offering bilva leaves, and pouring water or milk over the Shiva lingam are all practices that pilgrims engage in through the night. There is no mandatory ritual — participate at the level that feels right for you.

Q: Is Shivratri a good time to visit Ujjain for non-religious tourists? A: No. Mahashivratri is a deeply devotional occasion and the entire city is oriented around the temple. Accommodation is scarce and expensive, transport is difficult, and the crowds are overwhelming. If you want to see Ujjain’s other attractions — the Jantar Mantar, Kalidas Academy, the ghats — come at a quieter time. Our best time to visit Mahakaleshwar guide covers more suitable windows.

Things to Know Before You Go

This checklist covers everything you should have sorted before you set foot in Ujjain on Mahashivratri:

The Full Festival Itinerary: Mahashivratri Day by Day

A complete Mahashivratri visit spans more than one night. Here is how to structure it:

Day Before (Mahashivratri Eve):

Arrive in Ujjain by afternoon at the latest. The city fills fast.
Check into a room within walking distance of the temple — this decision matters more than any other.
Visit the temple in the evening for a preliminary darshan while the crowd is still building. Get a sense of the approach roads, the entry gates, and the Mahakal Lok corridor.
Have an early, simple dinner. Avoid heavy meals before an all-night vigil.
Rest or nap from 8 PM to 10 PM if you can. You will need the energy.

Mahashivratri Night:

Wake up by 4 PM, have a light meal, dress warmly in layers.
Walk to the temple by 6 PM — well before the main aarti crowd descends.
Attend the main evening aarti (7–8 PM).
Stay through the night: jaap, personal puja, quiet darshan, or simply sitting in the temple courtyard absorbing the atmosphere.
Attend Bhasma Aarti if you have a pass (pre-dawn window).
Attend the morning aarti as the sun comes up.
Return to your room by 8–9 AM for rest.

Day After:

Sleep, recharge, reflect.
Visit Ram Ghat on the Shipra for a quieter afternoon darshan.
Consider the 84 Mahadev temple circuit as a gentler closing act.
Depart in the evening or the next morning.

Crowd Management: Real Strategies

The single most important factor in your Mahashivratri experience is proximity. Here is the hierarchy of decisions that determines your night:

Stay within walking distance of the temple. This is not a preference — it is a requirement. On Mahashivratri, the temple quarter is closed to vehicles. Auto-rickshaws cannot reach the gate. Taxis stop 500–800 metres away and the walk from there is through dense, slow-moving crowds. A 200-metre walk from your room to the temple gate, as at Mahakal Bhakta Nivas, is the difference between arriving fresh and arriving frustrated.
Do darshan in counter-intuitive hours. The 7–11 PM window is the most crowded. The post-midnight window (12–2 AM) is noticeably thinner. The pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti window (3–5 AM) has dedicated entry but manageable general queue. Early morning (6–8 AM) after the all-night crowd has thinned is surprisingly peaceful.
Carry minimal belongings. A small pouch with ID, cash, and phone is all you need. Everything else stays at your room. The bag checks are thorough and crowds make managing anything larger than a phone impossible.
Keep your group compact. Meeting points get lost in crowds. Fix landmarks — the Nandi statue, the shoe rack at Gate 1, the Mahakal Lok entrance — and agree on them before you split up.
Hydrate and eat light. Prasad and stalls keep you fed through the night, but heavy food before sitting through hours of aarti is a mistake. Fruit, coconut water, and light snacks are better choices.

Mahashivratri and the Mahakal Lok Corridor

The Mahakal Lok corridor, opened in 2022, has transformed the Mahashivratri experience. On festival nights, the corridor is illuminated spectacularly — sculpted colonnades lit with thousands of lamps, the 108 Shiva sculptures along the walls catching the light, and a processional atmosphere that matches the occasion. Walking the corridor before entering the temple is now an integral part of the Mahashivratri sequence for many pilgrims.

Our Mahakal Lok corridor guide covers the walk in detail — the sculptures, the murals, the light show, and the best timing for a visit. On Mahashivratri specifically, plan to walk the corridor at least once before darshan and again after the morning aarti, when the crowds have thinned and the morning light makes the sculptures visible in a different register.

Mahashivratri Preparation Timeline

Do not wait until the week before to start preparing. Here is a recommended lead-up schedule:

6–8 weeks before: Book your room. Walking-distance accommodation sells out fastest.
4–6 weeks before: Book train or flight tickets. The Mumbai–Ujjain route fills up around Mahashivratri.
2–4 weeks before: Apply for Bhasma Aarti passes. Monitor the official portal for release dates.
1 week before: Confirm all bookings, pack your bag, and brief your group on the plan.
Day before: Arrive in Ujjain, check in, do a recon walk to the temple gate, eat early, rest.

Other Major Festivals in the Mahakaleshwar Calendar

Mahashivratri is the king, but Ujjain’s year has other significant festival dates that reshape the temple experience:

Shravan Sawan Somvar (July–August): Every Monday in the sacred month of Shravan brings elevated crowds and special shringar at Mahakaleshwar. The Sawan season is the annual peak — second only to Mahashivratri in scale.
Nag Panchami: The day the Nagchandreshwar shrine on the temple’s topmost level opens — once a year only. Massive queues, extraordinary devotion, and a uniquely Ujjain ritual.
Hariyali Amavasya: The new moon during Shravan, celebrated with Shipra-side ceremonies and community feeding. A quieter but deeply spiritual festival day.
Kartik Purnima: The full moon of Kartik month (October–November) brings lamp offerings at the ghats and a beautiful evening atmosphere.
Maha Amrit Kumbh (every 12 years): The next Kumbh Mela at Ujjain will draw tens of millions. If your travel dates coincide with Kumbh, expect extraordinary crowds and plan with months of lead time.

Booking Your Stay for Mahashivratri

Shivratri-night rooms at Mahakal Bhakta Nivas typically commit weeks ahead — often 6–8 weeks for the festival night. Message us on WhatsApp from the rooms page with your dates, and we will tell you honestly what is available and hold what we can. For the darshan system itself, start with our complete Mahakaleshwar darshan guide — understanding the gates, queues, and special entry options makes the festival far more manageable.

Mahashivratri at Mahakaleshwar is not for the faint-hearted. It is demanding, crowded, and physically exhausting. But it is also, for those who make it through, one of the most spiritually intense nights a pilgrim can experience in India. The experience demands preparation — the more thought you put in before you arrive, the more you can surrender to the night when you are here. Stay close, stay warm, stay hydrated, and let Mahakal guide you through the hours. The dawn after Mahashivratri brings a clarity that is worth every minute of the struggle.

Timings, crowd conditions, and arrangements as of 2026 — verify locally before the festival, especially for Bhasma Aarti pass release dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Mahashivratri celebrated at Mahakaleshwar?

It is the temple's biggest night: day-long and night-long worship, special aartis, massive decoration of the temple and corridor, and lakhs of devotees doing darshan through the night — the marriage night of Shiva is celebrated with full pomp.

How crowded is Mahakaleshwar on Mahashivratri?

Extremely. Lakhs of devotees converge on Ujjain; queues for darshan can run many hours, and the temple quarter roads are restricted to pedestrians. Plan for patience and stay walking-distance.

When should I book rooms for Mahashivratri in Ujjain?

4-8 weeks ahead at minimum. Walking-distance rooms are the first to sell out for the festival night, followed by all budget options across the city.

Is Bhasma Aarti held on Mahashivratri?

Yes — Bhasma Aarti continues on Mahashivratri with even higher demand; passes for festival dates are among the hardest to secure on the official portal.

What is the mythological significance of Mahashivratri?

Mahashivratri is celebrated as the night of Shiva and Parvati's marriage, as well as the night when Shiva performed the Tandava — his cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is also the night when Shiva manifested as a column of infinite light (Jyotirlinga), blessing devotees with his presence.

What should I pack for an overnight Shivratri visit?

Warm layers (February-March nights are cool), comfortable walking shoes, a small bag for essentials, water bottle, dry snacks, a power bank, and cash for offerings and food. A light blanket or shawl is useful if you plan to sit on the ground for extended periods.

Can elderly or physically challenged devotees attend Mahashivratri at Mahakaleshwar?

Yes, but plan carefully. The crowds and long queues are physically demanding. Book a room very close to the temple (within 200 m), consider attending during off-peak hours (post-midnight or early morning), and bring any required medications. Some properties near the temple offer assistance with mobility. Call us on WhatsApp to discuss accessibility options for your group.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring into the temple on Shivratri?

Large bags, sharp objects, and outside food are generally not permitted inside the temple complex. Mobile phones are allowed but should be kept secure in a zipped pocket. Belt and shoe check facilities are available. Bring only what you can carry easily — your wallet, phone, small cash, and a small offering pouch.