India is a land of festivals and celebrations, and Magh Mela has its own spiritual significance. Every year, lakhs of devotees from all corners of India seek salvation by taking a bath in the Magh Mela at the confluence of holy rivers. This year too, the splendor of Magh Mela is visible. Come, let us know about this holy fair…

What is Magh Mela?

Magh Mela is one of the major religious festivals of Hindu religion. Every year in the month of Magh (January-February) this festival is organized at the confluence of holy rivers. It is believed that in the month of Magh, the gods come to reside on earth, and by taking a bath in the waters of Sangam, all sins are washed away and virtues are attained.

Magh Mela organized

Magh Mela is mainly organized at four places:

• Prayagraj (Allahabad):  Where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati rivers meet. Magh Mela of Prayagraj is the biggest.
• Haridwar:  Magh Mela is held on the banks of river Ganga in Haridwar.
• Ujjain:  Located on the banks of Kshipra river in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
• Nashik:  Magh Mela is held in Nashik on the banks of river Godavari.

Magh Mela dates

The dates of Magh Mela vary every year, as it starts from Makar Sankranti and ends on Mahashivratri.

In 2024, the main dates of Magh Mela are as follows:

• Makar Sankranti:  14 January
• Paush Purnima:  25 January
• Mauni Amavasya:  9 February
• Basant Panchami:  14 February
• Magh Purnima:  24 February
• Mahashivratri:  8 March

Apart from these main dates, there are many other important Snan dates:

• Paush Purnima:  Date of starting Kalpavas
• Mauni Amavasya:  Date of offering offerings to ancestors
• Basant Panchami:  Date of worship of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning.
• Magh Purnima:  End of Magh Fair

It is important to note that these dates are subject to slight change, so be sure to check the official websites before you visit the fair.

Importance of Magh Mela

Magh Mela has immense religious importance. The benefits of this fair are:

• Freedom from sins:  It is believed that taking bath in Magh Mela removes all the sins of a person.
• Attainment of Moksha:  It is said that those who regularly come to Magh Mela and take a dip in the Ganga, are liberated from the cycle of life and death.
• Attainment of virtue:  It is very auspicious to do charity in the month of Magh. Donating to needy people in Magh Mela brings manifold benefits.

Other attractions of Magh Mela

Magh Mela is very rich not only in religious significance but also culturally. Here are some of the attractions.

• Sermons of Saints and Mahatmas: Saints, Mahatmas, and religious leaders from all over the country participate in the Magh Mela. Devotees listen to his enlightening sermons with great enthusiasm and seek his blessings.
• Kalpvas: Lakhs of devotees perform Kalpvas on the banks of the river throughout the month of Magh, that is, they live a simple life following the sattvik rules like the sadhus. His daily routine includes bathing, meditation, prayer, and study of scriptures. Kalpavasis are often the main attraction of the fair.
• Grand Aarti Ceremony: Grand Aarti is organized at the Sangam on special bathing dates and at regular intervals. The atmosphere becomes devotional with the twinkling of lamps, sound of conch and devotional songs.
• Religious pavilions and exhibitions: Many religious institutions and ashrams set up their pavilions in the Magh Mela. Here religious texts are sold, sermons are held, and spiritual discussions take place.
• Music and Dance: Cultural programs are often organized in the evening, featuring devotional music and traditional dances.
• Social Service Camps: Many social organizations organize camps during Magh Mela. These include distributing food to needy people, holding free medical camps, and carrying out various social awareness campaigns.
• Shopping for handmade artefacts: Skilled artisans bring their handmade items, Rudraksha malas, religious clothes, idols etc. to the fair.
• Taste different cuisines: The fair offers everything from traditional Indian cuisine to street food.

How to get there

• By Train:  Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain are well connected with railway stations. Many special trains are also run during Magh Mela.
• By Bus:  Government and private buses run to these places from major cities of India.
• By Air:  If you want to travel by air, then from the nearest airport you can reach the Magh Mela venue by train, bus or taxi.

Where to Stay

A variety of accommodation options are available for devotees to Magh Mela:

• Ashrams and Dharamshalas:  These usually consist of simple rooms or dormitories, available free or at very low charges.
• Government tents:  The government administration sets up tent colonies in the fair, which can be rented.
• Private Guest House or Hotel:  If you are looking for more comfortable stay options, you can book a hotel room or private guest house in the cities.

Things Needed To Carry

• Warm clothes:  It is cold in the month of Magh, so keep warm clothes with you.
• Comfortable shoes:  There is a lot of walking involved in the fair, so it is extremely important to carry comfortable shoes.
• Medicines and Toiletries:  Don’t forget to pack your essential medicines and toiletries.
• A flashlight:  Will come in handy in case of a power outage.

Safety Measures

• Keep an eye on your belongings:  Keep a close eye on your valuables in a crowded place.
• Stay with a group:  It is advisable to stay with your family or friends to avoid getting lost.
• Respect local customs:  Always respect religious rituals and local customs at holy places.
• Take care of health and hygiene:  Eat clean food and wash hands regularly. Avoid extreme cold.

Planning to visit Magh Mela? Here are some suggestions:

• Plan your trip in advance:  Book accommodation and transport in advance, especially if you are visiting on one of the main bathing dates.
• Pack warm clothes:  It can be cold during the month of Magh.
• Wear comfortable shoes:  There is a lot of walking involved in the fair.
• Keep an eye on your belongings:  Keep a close eye on your valuables in a crowded place.
• Respect local customs:  Always respect religious rituals and local customs at holy places.
• Take care of health and hygiene:  Eat clean food and wash hands regularly.

Magh Mela is a wonderful experience that will enrich you spiritually. Plan, stay safe, and enjoy your trip!

What to do and what not to do in the month of Magh

Magh month is considered very sacred in Hindu religion. This month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Sun God. The results of the work done in this month are manifold.

What to do in the month of Magh:

• Bathing:  Bathing in holy rivers is the main ritual of Magh month. Bathing in the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj, Ganga in Haridwar, and Kshipra river in Ujjain has special significance.
• Donation:  Doing charity in the month of Magh is considered very auspicious. Donation should be given to the poor, needy, and Brahmins.
• Religious rituals:  Worshiping Lord Vishnu and Sun God in the month of Magh is fruitful. Reciting Geeta, chanting Vishnu Sahastranam, and doing Surya Namaskar also have special significance in this month.
• Kalpvas:  Many people observe Kalpvas in the month of Magh. In Kalpavas, people live a virtuous life by living on the banks of the river for a month.
• Remaining silent:  Remaining silent in the month of Magh is also considered auspicious. Remaining silent calms the mind and increases concentration.

What not to do in the month of Magh:

• Non-vegetarian food:  One should not consume meat, alcohol and tamasic food in the month of Magh.
• Telling lies: One  should speak the truth and not trouble others in the month of Magh.
• Getting angry: One  should avoid anger and greed in the month of Magh.
• Doing evil:  One should not do evil to anyone in the month of Magh.
• Negative thoughts:  One should stay away from negative thoughts in the month of Magh.

It’s important to note that these are some general rules. There may be some variations in different religious traditions.

Additional Information:

• Visit the website of the government administration that organizes Magh Mela. There you will find accommodation, transportation, and other important information related to the fair.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to Magh Mela

• Question: When is Magh Mela held every year?
  • Answer: Magh Mela is held every year in January-February (Magh month).
• Question: Where is Magh Mela held?
  • Answer: Magh Mela mainly takes place at four places: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.
• Question: Which are the main days of bathing in Magh Mela?
  • Answer: Makar Sankranti, Paush Purnima, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, and Maghi Purnima.
• Question: Can we meet saints and sages in Magh Mela?
  • Answer: Yes. In Magh Mela you can get satsang and blessings from many saints and mahatmas.
• Question: Are hotels available to stay during Magh Mela?
  • Answer: Yes. Many hotels of different facilities are available at all the venues of Magh Mela. Tent colonies are also set up by the government in the fair.

Oh Mother Ganga! We are grateful for your kindness! I hope this information about Magh Mela would have been useful for you.

O Sanatan Dharma, you are great!

Are you also ready to be a part of Magh Mela this year? Magh Mela is a unique example of the splendor and faith of Hindu religion. So come, strengthen your faith even further with Magh Mela!