The yearly celebration known as the Magh Mela, also known as the Mini Kumbh Mela, is observed in the months of Magh (January and February) following the Hindu calendar. Hindu worshippers who travel to the Triveni Sangam, the holy intersection of the three sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, view the festival as having enormous significance.
Triveni Sangam, which hosts this event when people congregate to perform rituals and bathe in the holy waters, is situated 7 kilometers from Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. It is fascinating to see tens of thousands of worshippers spending days together in tents set up close to the riverbanks.
To participate in an immersion, devotees are transported by boat to the confluence of three rivers. The water is shallow close to Sangam during this fair in the month of Magh. Many people have their heads shaved following Hindu customs before taking the holy plunge.
Magh Mela 2023: Place, Date, and Ticket
The Magh Mela typically starts on Makar Sankranti in January and lasts for 45 days until Mahashivratri. Many significant bathing dates are made public during this time so that people can travel to the city and take advantage of those auspicious times to do puja or take a bath. The 45-day Magh Mela of 2023 began on January 6, 2023, and ended on February 18, 2023. Devotees flock to this mela in great numbers to take a plunge in the sacred waters of Sangam since admission is free.
Every year, the local government entities and the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department work together to make the necessary preparations for the pilgrims coming from across the nation. Tents, medical facilities, water, and energy supply, transit options, and food booths are all set up at the location close to Triveni Sangam. Everything about the setup is tranquil and divine.
Important Dates for Bathing During the Magh Mela in 2023
- January 6 (Paush Purnima)
- January 15 (Makar Sankranti)
- January 21 (Mauni Amavasya)
- January 26 (Basant Panchami)
- February 5 (Maghi Poornima)
- and February 18 (Maha Shivratri).
The 2019 Kumbh Mela, which will be held at Prayag Raj (Allahabad), will be the biggest gathering ever. At Triveni Sangam, worshipers and curious tourists from all across India and the rest of the world congregate. Every six years, during the Hindu month of Magh, when Jupiter is in Aries or Taurus and the Moon and Sun are both in Capricorn, it is observed in Prayagraj (Allahabad) (January). Our camp is a collection of various cottage types built to offer cozy lodging and a wealth of amenities to visitors during the 2019 Kumbh Mela. Our camp is close to the sacred “Sangam,” or confluence, of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
When selecting the site, we took into account crucial resources and factors, including security, accessibility from key roads, the nearest airport, train station, and Kumbh Mela site, as well as marketplaces. A 12-foot-high boundary wall encloses our location.
The place to stay
Every year, a significant number of devotees travel here and stay at the Sangam in temporary homes or tents, praying throughout the whole month of Magh. Tents provided by the government provide one alternative for lodging. The short-term lodging offered by ashrams and religious institutions
The best opportunity to experience the largest religious gatherings in the world is provided by accommodations that are conveniently located near the Kumbh Mela Shahi Snan location (Triveni Sangam), stylishly equipped, safe, and comfortable, in the Ardh Kumbh Mela 2019 neighborhood in Allahabad (Prayag). The Kumbh Mela is an outstanding event from a tourist standpoint. If advance plans have not been made, an unfathomable influx of pilgrims and worshippers will result in a lack of accommodations. However, additional preparations are taken, particularly for foreigners. Tourist camps, in particular, provide opulent tents with private bathrooms, tour guides, and excursion assistance. There is also very tight safety and security in place.
A shahi Shaan (royal bath), which takes place on certain auspicious days, is the best time to observe the biggest display of sadhus. During every Kumbh Mela, there are often a few of these days. Kumbh Mela (Ardh) bathing dates are made public in advance. At the start of the Kumbh Mela, the numerous sadhus sects arrive in procession and with tremendous fanfare.
What is the reason for the Magh Mela Festival?
According to popular belief, taking a holy bath at the Sangam on auspicious days during the period can wash away sins and lead to Moksha (merging with the Supreme Soul), which is the Hindu religion’s goal. Liberation from the cycle of life and death is the main motivation for taking the holy dip.
Magh Mela, Is it a big festival?
A million or so Hindu worshippers attend significant bathing occasions throughout the Magh Mela. In Allahabad, a transient tent city has been constructed on the banks of the Ganga. Many ashrams and religious institutions build separate camps for their adherents. The Kalpavasis, or pilgrims who reside in these camps during the Magh Mela, are a prominent attraction during this time. It should be noted that the Magh Mela is not hosted at Prayag during the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Melas.
The Magh Mela’s History
The Magh Mela is a well-known Hindu religious celebration that honors Lord Brahma, who has been given the title of “The Creator,” for creating the cosmos. The celebration includes some yajnas, prayers, and rituals that are intended to honor and celebrate the origin of the universe. The fair is held in Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, which is also referred to as Tirtha Raj, the king of pilgrimage places.
The 45 days that make up the fair are referred to as Kalpvas. These days are thought to be equal to the sum of the years in the four yugas of Satyug, Treta, Dwapar, and Kalyug. By diligently and religiously performing all the rites, followers of Kalpvas, sometimes referred to as Kalpvasis, can atone for crimes committed in a former life and break free from the cycle of rebirth and karma.
Magh Mela is mentioned in numerous ancient texts, including the Mahabharata and several Puranas. The fervent followers’ solid conviction that a journey is intended for atonement, or prayashchit, for the sins committed in previous lifetimes was the basis for the religious belief that underpinned this mela. Sangam bathing provides salvific virtue, aiding individuals in achieving moksha and freedom from the cycle of rebirth. Both Makar Sakrianti and Amavasya, or the day without a moon, are revered as particularly holy days, and many devotees visit them to take a holy bath.
Significant Attractions of the Magh Mela
While Magh Mela is a period of great religious significance, it is also a great opportunity to highlight local businesses. Daan Punya, free lunches for saints and monks, the sale and purchase of goods, religious talks by saints, amusement spectacles, education, and more are all included. These are the main Magh Mela attractions.
Daan Shayla
People offer prayers and yajnas to the Sun God during Kalpvas. To receive the heavenly energies, a devotee who has followed the 12 Kalpvas must surrender his bed and other possessions as part of the Shayya Daan ceremony.
Sacred Bath
On the most fortunate days of these 45 days, people bathe in the holy waters. Makar Sankranti, Purnima, Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Maghi Purnima, and Maha Shivratri are a few significant occasions. Taking a holy bath on these occasions can bring good fortune in abundance.
Arghya
Each morning, thousands of worshippers may be seen offering arghya to the Sun God and asking the god for favors. After taking a holy plunge in the Ganga, one prays to the Sun God.
Havan
Saints and monks execute yajnas or havan to entice the gods and placate them with religious chanting and offerings of samadhi, fruits, sweets, flowers, etc. Yajnas and havan are religious rituals.
Andaan
Dedicated followers give away free food to others, including saints, monks, the underprivileged, etc. Offerings of sesame and grains to the underprivileged and needy are also part of the rite.
How To Get To The Allahabad Magh Mela
In Uttar Pradesh, the holy city of Prayagraj is renowned for both its spiritual importance and its exquisite beauty. One may first travel to Prayagraj to more easily get to the Magh Mela location before traveling to Triveni Sangam. Through several transportation options, Allahabad is easily reachable. The information you need to get to this holy city to attend the Magh Mela is provided below.
- The nearest significant city Varanasi or Banaras
- The nearest airport to Allahabad is IXD.
- Closest rail station between Varanasi and Allahabad, Chheoki Junction
- Distance: 120.9 kilometers
Railway transportation
Allahabad The two closest train stations from which to disembark to get to Triveni Sangam are Chheoki Junction and Naini Junction. To go to the intended area from the station, one can take a cab, an automobile, or a bus. You can get to Prayagraj via regular trains like the Shiv Ganga Express from Delhi, the Mahanagri Express from Mumbai, the Kolkata Rajdhani from Kolkata, and the Sanghamitra Express from Bengaluru.
5.8 kilometers separate from Allahabad from Chheoki Junction.
5.7 km away from Naini Junction
Transport through Air
According to Air, the closest airport is Allahabad Airport (IXD). All major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, have regular flights to Allahabad. These are currently referred to as Prayagraj by Air India and IndiGo.
18.3 km separate you from Allahabad Airport.
Transport via road
Arriving by car, tourists or followers might choose to take a private or public interstate tourist bus. The closest bus stop is in Prayagraj, 10 kilometers from Triveni Sangam. To go to the target place in the city from the bus stop, take a taxi or a local public bus. The Agra-Lucknow Expressway, NH 52, NH 19, and NH 44 are all options for travelers arriving by their car to get to this location from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
- Distance from Varanasi: 125.7 km
- Distance from Gaya: 368.4 km
- Distance from Lucknow: 210 km
- Distance from Delhi: 750 km
- Distance from Noida: 707.2 km
- Distance from Mumbai: 1400 km
- Distance from Bengaluru: 1750 km
- Distance from Kolkata: 800 km
Transport via water
One can rent a boat from Qila Ghat for a very reasonable price to view the actual confluence location of three rivers from the banks of Sangam. From Rs. 80 to Rs. 400, the fare may differ from boat to boat.
Best Period to Visit Prayagraj
Every year, devotees of Hinduism travel to Prayagraj from all over India. Religiously auspicious dates like Ekadashi, Pradosh, Kharmas for Pind Daan, etc. are ideal for pilgrims to visit Prayagraj. Prayagraj is a historical and religious location in Uttar Pradesh that is also known by the names Kumbh Nagari and Tirtharaj. After establishing a new religion called Din-e-Ilahi, Akbar changed its name to Allahabad (the garden of Allah). The historical significance and religiosity of Allahabad draw tourists. It is one of India’s historic cities. There are numerous tourist attractions in Prayagraj.
The best months to visit Prayagraj are thought to be October through March. The Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela are the ideal times to explore Allahabad. Both of these Hindu religious and cultural gatherings in January provide a special opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Hindu culture and engage in rites that are dictated by religion at Triveni Sangam. Spend some time at Allahabad Fort, Ashokan Pillar, Triveni Sangam, Bade Hanuman Ji Temple, Kumbh Mela, Magh Mela, Akshayavat, Patalpuri Temple, Anand Bhawan, Khusroo Bagh, etc. while taking part in these grand “melas” as well. The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati is known as the Triveni Sangam.
When the waters of the three rivers combine, the water’s color changes to green. It is said that taking a bath here forgives a person of all their sins. Every 12 years, this location hosts the renowned Kumbh Mela. Akbar constructed the Allahabad Fort, which is located on the banks of the Triveni Sangam. It is home to the Akshayavat tree, the Patalpuri Temple, and Saraswati Kup, which is thought to be the river Saraswati’s source. The Allahabad Fort is next to the Bade Hanuman Ji Temple. In the temple, there is a 20-foot-tall by the 8-foot-wide statue of Lord Hanuman. Motilal Nehru constructed the Anand Bhawan in Allahabad in 1930. Previously, it served as the Nehru family’s home; today, it serves as a museum. Gandhi also stayed there, on the second story.
FAQ
1.Ques: What is the purpose of the Magh Mela?
Annually, the Magh Mela is held in Prayagraj, Allahabad’s holiest city. The fair is held either in January, February or during the month of Magh. Devotees travel to this mela to take a holy bath in Sangam, the meeting place of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. At this meeting of rivers, it is thought that taking a holy bath helps atone for sins committed in previous lives.
2.Ques: How long does the Magh Mela last?
On the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, the Magh Mela begins and lasts 45 days. Makar Sankranti, Purnima, Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Maghi Purnima, and Maha Shivratri are a few significant occasions. Taking a holy bath on these occasions can bring good fortune in abundance.
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