Magh Mela Holy Bath Date: Today, January 3, 2026, is the full moon of the Paush month, after which the month of Magh will begin. With this, the Magh Mela is also starting at the Sangam banks in Prayagraj. The Magh Mela begins every year in the month of Magh. During the Prayagraj Magh Mela, devotees from India and abroad arrive at the Sangam to perform Kalpavas (a month-long religious observance). The Magh Mela, held annually on the banks of the Sangam, holds immense significance. This festival lasts for a full month. A symbol of the unwavering faith of millions of devotees, this fair is considered a wonderful celebration of penance, spiritual practice, self-control, and self-awakening. It is believed that taking a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati rivers washes away sins and leads to salvation. This is why every year, from Makar Sankranti to the end of the Magh month, countless devotees come to the Sangam to bathe, worship, and perform spiritual practices.

In the Puranas, the Sangam region is given the title of a divine land and a sacred place, while Akshayavat, Saraswati Koop, and the Triveni region have been considered places of penance since ancient times. Historians believe that this fair has been held continuously for thousands of years, and its grandeur has increased manifold over time. Let's find out when the Magh Mela will begin in 2026, how long it will last, and what the dates of the main holy baths are.

When will the Magh Mela begin?

According to the Hindu calendar, the Magh Mela begins on Paush Purnima and concludes on Mahashivratri. In 2026, this fair will begin on January 3rd and continue until February 15th. Six major holy baths are scheduled during this period, with the bath on Mauni Amavasya considered the most important and auspicious.

January 3, 2026 - Paush Purnima
The fair will begin with the holy bath on Paush Purnima. Kalpavas also begins on this day, when devotees take a dip in the Sangam and establish the first step of their month-long spiritual practice. 

January 14, 2026 - Makar Sankranti

On Makar Sankranti, the sun enters the Capricorn zodiac sign from Sagittarius. This is considered an extremely auspicious day for bathing, and the second major royal bath takes place on this day. Millions of devotees take a holy dip to earn merit.

January 18, 2026 - Mauni Amavasya
Mauni Amavasya is the biggest and most sacred bathing festival of the Magh Mela. Observing a vow of silence, performing acts of charity, and bathing in the Sangam are considered especially fruitful on this day. This date will be observed as the third major bathing day.

January 23, 2026 - Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami, which marks the arrival of spring, is the fourth major bathing day. Saraswati Puja is performed on this day, which is considered especially auspicious for students.

February 1, 2026 - Maghi Purnima
This day is extremely important for those observing Kalpavas (a period of religious austerity). Bathing in the Sangam and performing acts of charity on Maghi Purnima are considered highly auspicious. This will be the fifth major bathing day of the fair.

February 15, 2026 - Maha Shivaratri

The Magh Mela concludes with the final bath on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri. Bathing in the Sangam on this day, along with Shiva worship, fasting, and meditation, holds special religious significance.

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