Magh Mela 2026 Prayagraj: Official Dates, Complete Snan Schedule & Best Bathing Days
Magh Mela 2026 Prayagraj (Allahabad) will be celebrated from January 3 to February 15, 2026, beginning with Paush Purnima and concluding around Mahashivratri. Held at the holy Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati meet, this divine gathering attracts millions of devotees and saints from across India and abroad. During this period, devotees take holy dips on the auspicious snan (bathing) dates such as Mauni Amavasya, Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, and Magha Purnima, seeking spiritual purification and blessings.
Plan your visit to Magh Mela 2026 Prayagraj with Vrindavan Mathura Tourism for comfortable travel, tent accommodation, and guided experiences to make your pilgrimage memorable and
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Complete Overview of Significant Bathing Dates – Magh Mela 2026, Prayagraj
Magh Mela 2026 Dates: 3 January – 15 February 2026
(According to Prayagraj Mela Authority & Drik Panchang)
Here is the list of primary bathing (snan) days and their significance — these are the sprouting days attracting devotees in the millions.
1. 3 January 2026 – Paush Purnima (Official Beginning of Magh Mela)
- Importance: Marks the official beginning of Magh Mela 2026
- Belief: When we bathe at Triveni Sangam on this day it cleanses the soul and begins the Kalpavas (a month-long holy stay on the riverbanks).
- Best for: Family Pilgrims & Devotees from Home.
2. 14 January 2026 – Makar Sankranti (First Bath of Uttarayan)
- Importance: The sun moves into Capricorn (Makara) creating an auspicious calendar event called Uttarayan.
- Rituals: Devotees bathe just before sunrise, give daan (charity), and conduct Surya Puja.
- Best for: Those in pursuit of a new beginning and divine blessings as we begin the year.
3. 18 January 2026 – Mauni Amavasya (Main Royal Bathing Day)
- Importance: The most sacred and crowded bathing day of the entire Magh Mela.
- Belief: Observing silence (Maun Vrat) and taking the Sangam Snan grants immense spiritual merit.
- Highlights: Akharas and sadhus take the Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) – a divine spectacle.
- Crowd Level: Highest attendance; plan accommodations early.
4. 23 January 2026 – Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja)
- Importance: Symbolizes the arrival of spring and the worship of Goddess Saraswati.
- Rituals: Students and devotees bathe early and offer yellow flowers and sweets to the Goddess.
- Best for: Those seeking wisdom, creativity, and new beginnings.
5. 1 February 2026 – Maghi Purnima (Full Moon Bath)
- Importance: One of the final major Snans; marks the conclusion of Kalpavas.
- Belief: A sacred dip on this day fulfills the vows taken during the Magh month.
- Best for: Pilgrims ending their Kalpavas and householders performing thanksgiving rituals.
6. 15 February 2026 – Mahashivratri (Mela Closing Day)
- Importance: Marks the official closure of Magh Mela 2026.
- Rituals: Devotees worship Lord Shiva, and saints perform special Rudrabhishek and night-long prayers.
- Note: Bathing is optional, but spiritual energy at the Sangam remains deeply powerful.
Practical Timings for Magh Mela 2026 (Sunrise & Sunset in Prayagraj, IST)
During Magh Mela 2026, thousands of devotees plan their holy dip (snān) at the Triveni Sangam during the early morning pūṇyakāl (auspicious period).
Knowing the sunrise and sunset timings helps pilgrims prepare for rituals, kalpavas, and temple visits at the right time.
Below is a practical guide to the sunrise and sunset windows (in Indian Standard Time) for the most important bathing days of Magh Mela Prayagraj 2026. These are approximate ranges sourced from Time and Date, Drik Panchang, and other astronomical calendars — ideal for planning, photography, and darshan schedules.
Key Snān Dates and Timings – Prayagraj, Magh Mela 2026
| Date & Occasion | Approx. Sunrise (IST) | Approx. Sunset (IST) | Notes / Ritual Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 January 2026 – Paush Purnima | 06:05 – 06:15 AM | 05:35 – 05:45 PM | Beginning of Magh Mela; ideal time for first holy dip and start of Kalpavas. |
| 14 January 2026 – Makar Sankranti | 06:00 – 06:10 AM | 05:33 – 05:37 PM | Sun’s entry into Capricorn (Uttarayan); best snān time is early morning. |
| 18 January 2026 – Mauni Amavasya | 06:00 – 06:20 AM | 05:34 – 05:40 PM | The main royal bathing day; millions gather before sunrise for the sacred snān. |
| 23 January 2026 – Basant Panchami | 05:57 – 06:10 AM | 05:36 – 05:42 PM | Spring festival and Saraswati Puja; morning bath and prayers for wisdom. |
| 1 February 2026 – Maghi Purnima | 06:50 – 07:15 AM | 05:40 – 05:50 PM | End of Kalpavas; devotees perform thanksgiving and final ritual baths. |
| 15 February 2026 – Mahashivratri (Mela Closure) | 06:35 – 06:45 AM | 05:48 – 05:52 PM | Symbolic end of Magh Mela; devotees worship Lord Shiva at dawn. |
“For everything you need to know about Magh Mela 2026 — from dates to bathing schedule, travel plans and packages — visit our comprehensive guide: Magh Mela Prayagraj 2026: Dates, Timings & Complete Bathing Schedule – Vrindavan Mathura Tourism.”
Nearby Attractions You Can Visit During Magh Mela 2026
Nearby Attractions You Can Visit During Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj, don’t miss exploring its nearby spiritual and historical attractions. These sites add depth to your pilgrimage and offer a complete cultural experience.
Top Places to Visit Near Prayagraj
- Triveni Sangam: The sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati — the holiest site for the Magh Mela holy dip.
- Akshayavat Tree: The immortal banyan within the fort area, believed to grant moksha to devotees.
- Anand Bhavan: Historic home of the Nehru family, now a museum of India’s freedom struggle.
- Alopi Devi Temple: A rare Shakti Peeth without an idol, symbolizing divine power.
Day Trips from Prayagraj
- Varanasi (120 km): Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and witness the Ganga Aarti.
- Ayodhya (160 km): Explore Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and Hanuman Garhi.
- Chitrakoot (130 km): Discover Kamadgiri Hill and Gupt Godavari caves.
To make your trip seamless, book our 3 Days Ayodhya–Prayagraj–Varanasi Tour Package — a perfect blend of spiritual exploration and guided travel comfort.
Why You Should Book Your Magh Mela Prayagraj Trip Package with Trip My Vrindavan
If you are planning a Magh Mela 2026 Trip to Prayagraj, finding the right partner to help you experience it makes all the difference. At Trip My Vrindavan, we help families create seamless and spiritually rewarding experiences at many of the most sacred sites in India.
Here’s Why Thousands of Pilgrims Trust Us with their Family Pilgrimage Travel
- Experience meeting the Travel Needs of Pilgrims: We have years of experience coordinating and facilitating family pilgrimages to Prayagraj, Kumbh, and many other significant religious events in Northern India
- Safety and Comfort: Clean vehicles, professional driver, and on time service throughout your trip.
- Packages to fit your needs: Whether you want a same day Prayagraj trip packaged, a 2 Day Magh Mela trip or an extended duration Ayodhya-Varanasi-Prayragj trip; we build it according to your schedule.
- Visit all Major Pilgrimage Sites: Besides Prayagraj, we can arrange tours to Mathura, Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dwarka among others.
- 24×7 Support: We have dedicated travel experts available before and during your trip for added peace of mind.
- Transparent Pricing: Honest prices and no hidden fees and honest service.
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Difference Between Magh Mela and Maha Kumbh Mela – Full Comparison
Many pilgrims are usually curious – what is the difference between the Magh Mela and the Maha Kumbh Mela?
While the Mela is simply operational in the vicinity of the sacred Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj (Allahabad), the two Mela differ in terms of their magnitude, time, and relative meanings. Below is a straightforward means of making the distinction, in point form.
1. Frequency and Occurrence
- Magh Mela is a festival that is always celebrated double each year during the Hindu month of Magha (January-February).
- Maha Kumbh Mela is a festival that takes place once every twelve years, synchronized to the planetary positions of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon, which allows for the most auspicious time for performing the holy dip.
2. Duration of the Mela
- Magh Mela lasts for approximately forty-five days – initiated at Paush Purnima and concluding around Mahashivratri.
- Maha Kumbh Mela lasts roughly between two to three months long with tremendous preparations, involved global presence.
3. Scale and Participation
- Magh Mela draws millions of devotees, primarily from across India, and specifically those partaking in the month-long Kalpavas (ritual sojourn on the riverbank).
- Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest human gathering on Earth, attracting tens of millions of pilgrims, sadhus, and international visitors traveling from far and wide.
4. Religious Importance
- Magh Mela is considered the smaller annual version of the Kumbh, while still providing pilgrims nearly the same spiritual merit when they bathe in the Sangam on auspicious snan days.
- Maha Kumbh Mela is thought to have the utmost degree of religious significance since bathing during the Maha Kumbh Mela is believed to provide the highest form of moksha and liberation of the soul according to Hindu thought.
5. Planetary Mechanism and Mythological Basis
- Magh Mela is connected to the lunar calendar, as the auspicious snan tithis (bathing days) occur in the Magh month and month lunar calendar is used.
- Maha Kumbh is marked by planetary conjunctions, which are believed to occur when Brihaspati (Jupiter) enters Taurus or Aquarius depending on where the event takes place.
6. Locations
- Magh Mela is only held in Prayagraj (Allahabad) each year.
- Maha Kumbh Mela rotates between four holy places – viz, Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Ujjain, depending on the position of the stars and planets.
7. Experience and Atmosphere
- Magh Mela is more of a serene spiritual atmosphere, conducive to the practice of meditation, snan, and personal devotion.
- Kumbh Mela is a grand and religious festival, featuring Shahi Snan regalia, enormous akhara camps, and many widely attended cultural events.
Conclusion – Start Your Pilgrimage with Magh Mela 2026
Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj transcends the concept of being merely a festival. It is an enduring spiritual experience that has welcomed millions in a quest to refresh their soul at the sacred spot of Triveni Sangam. Every dip-in-the-water or snan day during this period never fails to have a profound religious significance, spanning from Paush Purnima to Mahashivratri, a religious invitation to rekindle one’s faith, peace, and divine connection.
Why not make your pilgrimage smooth and spiritual before setting off with Trip My Vrindavan, a dependable companion to your spiritual travels. Our goal is to take care of every detail of your pilgrimage, including but not limited to travel arrangements, tent stays, and all manners of rituals, as quickly, conveniently, and sincerely as possible.
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FAQs – Magh Mela 2026 Prayagraj
Q1. When does Magh Mela 2026 take place?
In 2026, Magh Mela will occur from January 3rd to February 15th in Prayagraj (Allahabad), beginning with Paush Purnima and wrapping up around Mahashivratri.
Q2. What are the main bathing (Snan) dates?
The key bathing days are:
- 15 Feb – Mahashivratrishivratri
- 3 Jan – Paush Purnima
- 14 Jan – Makar Sankranti
- 18 Jan – Mauni Amavasya (Main Royal Bath)
- 23 Jan – Basant Panchami
- 1 Feb – Maghi Purnima
Q3. Why do people celebrate Magh Mela?
The belief is that a swim at Triveni Sangam would wash away sins and provide spiritual peace, which makes it one of the holiest pilgrimages in Hinduism.
Q4. How to book my Magh Mela Prayagraj tour package?
Through our travel, Trip My Vrindavan, you can book an easy trip with the best travel and stay amenities available.
📞 Call Us: +91 7078723132 | +91 9557104160
📲 WhatsApp Us: +91 7078723132 | +91 9557104160
🌐 Go to: www.tripmyvrindavan.com
Q5. What facilities do you provide for Magh Mela tours?
We provide transport, tent stays, local transport arrangements, and guided visiting to Sangam during your trip itinerary – all designed for comfort and spiritual experience.
Q6. Do you provide tours that include Ayodhya or Varanasi?
Sure! You can book our well-known
👉 3 Days Ayodhya–Prayagraj–Varanasi Tour Package
your complete spiritual trip.
Q7. Is Magh Mela appropriate for children and senior citizens?
Definitely. We provide safe transportation, clean and comfortable accommodations, and full travel support for families, senior travelers, and groups.
Q8. What is the best time to visit during Magh Mela?
The main event is Mauni Amavasya (January 18, 2026) but visiting the entire window of time (early January to mid-February) is spiritually fulfilling and family-friendly, particularly on non-royal bathing days.
Q9. What else can I do near Prayagraj?
You can visit Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and Vindhyachal, and you can check all our tours here 👉 View All Packages.
Q10. Why Road Trip My Vrindavan?
We have years of experience leading pilgrimage tours throughout the country side of North India, in trusted service and best pricing, with personal representative support 24×7 to facilitate a stress-free spiritual journey.



