Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj: Key Dates, Shahi Snan Timings and Spiritual Significance

Prayagraj, January 14: Magh Mela 2026 is one of India’s most sacred annual religious gatherings, held on the holy banks of the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati meet. Rooted deeply in Hindu tradition, the mela attracts millions of devotees, saints and pilgrims who arrive to take ritual dips and perform spiritual practices during the auspicious month of Magh.

Observed every year between January and February, Magh Mela is considered a smaller yet spiritually powerful version of the Kumbh Mela. Devotees believe that bathing at the Sangam during this period washes away sins, brings spiritual merit, and helps attain inner purification and moksha.

What Is Magh Mela?

Magh Mela is a month-long spiritual fair held during the Magh month of the Hindu calendar. The event is marked by Kalpvas, religious discourses, charity, yoga, meditation, yajnas, and daily rituals performed along the riverbanks. Thousands of saints and akharas set up camps, turning the area into a vibrant centre of spiritual learning. Magh Mela 2026: Italian Woman Visits Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Calls India ‘Magical’ (Watch Video).

Magh Mela 2026 Dates and Duration

Magh Mela 2026 is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2026 and will continue until mid-February 2026, concluding on Mahashivratri. The mela witnesses massive crowds on special bathing days, popularly known as Shahi Snan or auspicious snan dates. Magh Mela 2026: Devotees Gather for Paush Purnima Holy Dip at Prayagraj As Annual Mela Begins Today (Watch Videos).

Important Bathing Dates of Magh Mela 2026

The key bathing and festival dates during Magh Mela 2026 are:

• Makar Sankranti – January 15, 2026 (Thursday)

• Mauni Amavasya – January 18, 2026 (Sunday)

• Vasant Panchami – January 23, 2026 (Friday)

• Maghi Purnima – February 1, 2026 (Sunday)

• Mahashivratri – February 15, 2026 (Sunday)

These days are considered extremely auspicious for taking a holy dip at the Sangam.

Magh Mela 2026 Snan Dates & Timings (Expected)

The most auspicious time for a holy dip is Brahma Muhurat, just before sunrise. For Magh Mela 2026, the expected snan timings are as follows:

Makar Sankranti – January 15, 2026

Expected Snan Time: 4:00 AM – 8:30 AM

A major bathing day associated with Uttarayan; pilgrims gather before sunrise.

Mauni Amavasya – January 18, 2026

Expected Snan Time: 3:45 AM – 8:30 AM

The main Royal Snan day, drawing the largest crowds of the mela.

Vasant Panchami – January 23, 2026

Expected Snan Time: 4:30 AM – 8:15 AM

Symbolises the arrival of spring; the dip is believed to grant wisdom and clarity.

Maghi Purnima – February 1, 2026

Expected Snan Time: 4:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Performed at the conclusion of Kalpvas; regarded as spiritually uplifting.

Mahashivratri – February 15, 2026

Expected Snan Time: 5:00 AM – 8:30 AM

The final snan of the mela, offered in devotion to Lord Shiva.

Religious and Spiritual Significance

According to Hindu beliefs, bathing at the Sangam during the Magh month grants immense spiritual benefits. Many devotees observe Kalpvas, a month-long period of austerity involving simple living, fasting, meditation and daily rituals on the riverbank. Saints conduct satsangs and discourses on ancient scriptures, making Magh Mela a major centre of spiritual learning.

Connection Between Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela

Magh Mela holds special importance because Prayagraj is one of the four sacred sites of the Kumbh Mela. While the Kumbh occurs once every 12 years, Magh Mela is held annually, preserving the spiritual continuity and traditions of the larger Kumbh event.

Administration and Preparations

The Uttar Pradesh government and local authorities make large-scale arrangements during Magh Mela, including temporary settlements, healthcare facilities, sanitation services, security, and crowd management. In recent years, eco-friendly initiatives and cleanliness drives have also been strongly emphasised.

Why Magh Mela Matters Today

Beyond its religious importance, Magh Mela represents India’s living spiritual heritage. It reflects centuries-old traditions of faith, discipline, community living and devotion, while also boosting local tourism and providing livelihoods to thousands.

Magh Mela 2026 once again stands as a profound spiritual event where faith meets tradition at the sacred Sangam, drawing devotees seeking peace, purification and divine blessings.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 14, 2026 03:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).