Magh Mela Prayagraj 2026

Full Date

3 January 2026 Early Morning 4:00 AM – 15 February 2026 Evening 7:00 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Paush Purnima (Main Snan)

  Official start of Magh Mela and Kalpvas month when first ritual bathing begins.

  3 January 2026 4:00 AM – 3 January 2026 7:00 PM

• Makar Sankranti Snan

  First Shahi Snan of the festival marking the Sun’s entry into Capricorn.

  14 January 2026 5:30 AM – 14 January 2026 12:00 PM

• Mauni Amavasya Snan

  Sacred Amavasya bath observed in silence, considered the most powerful snan.

  18 January 2026 4:00 AM – 18 January 2026 6:30 PM

• Basant Panchami Snan

  Holy bath marking the arrival of spring and worship of Goddess Saraswati.

  23 January 2026 5:00 AM – 23 January 2026 7:00 PM

• Maghi Purnima Snan

  Marks the conclusion of Kalpvas; devotees perform final baths and prayers.

  1 February 2026 5:00 AM – 1 February 2026 6:30 PM

• Maha Shivratri Snan

  Final bathing day of Magh Mela with prayers to Lord Shiva at Sangam.

  15 February 2026 3:00 AM – 15 February 2026 6:00 PM

Introduction

Magh Mela is a sacred annual Hindu fair held at Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj—where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. Devotees gather for holy baths, known as snans, during auspicious dates to purify their souls and attain spiritual liberation.

Other Names

Mini Kumbh, Prayag Magh Snan, Kalpvas Mela

Pooja Vidhi

• Wake up before sunrise and proceed to the holy Sangam for a sacred bath.
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama and Surya Mantra while bathing.
• Offer water, flowers, and diyas to river Ganga after the dip.
• Observe silence on Mauni Amavasya and meditate on spiritual upliftment.
• Conclude with evening aarti and prayers for peace and moksha.

Rituals

• Taking holy dips at Triveni Sangam on auspicious days such as Paush Purnima and Mauni Amavasya.
• Observing Kalpvas for a month, living simply on the riverbanks and performing spiritual practices.
• Offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and Surya after each bath.
• Participating in Kirtans, Pravachans, and devotional bhajans in Mela grounds.
• Charitable acts including Annadan (food donation) and Gaudaan (cow donation).

Regional Highlights

• Held at Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, the meeting point of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
• Lakhs of Kalpavasis camp for a month, dedicating time to meditation and self-purification.
• Extensive arrangements by the Uttar Pradesh Government ensure safety and sanitation.
• Religious discourses and cultural programs attract pilgrims from all parts of India.

History

The origins of Magh Mela trace back to ancient Hindu scriptures like the Puranas, which describe the spiritual benefits of bathing at Prayag in the month of Magh. The fair embodies centuries-old faith that the Sangam's waters have divine power to cleanse sins.

Additional Information

• Considered a 'Mini Kumbh', held every year between Maha Kumbh cycles.
• Believed to grant Moksha to those who bathe during auspicious Magh days.
• Showcases India's deep spiritual heritage and collective devotion.