Popularly referred to as the Mini Kumbh Mela, Magh Mela 2023 is an annual festival that is celebrated by lakhs of devotees in Magh Month (January and February). Devotees arrive at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati) and gather to perform the rituals & take a dip in the holy Triveni Sangam.
One can see thousands of tents erected close to the river banks where devotees stay for days together. Triveni Sangam is located about 7 kilometres away from Prayagraj.
The Mela lasts 45 days before coming to an end on Mahashivratri (a festival celebrated in honour of the God Shiva).
Dates To Take Dip At Triveni Sangam
| 06 January 2023 | Paush Purnima | Friday |
| 14 or 15 January 2023 | Makar Sankranti | Saturday or Sunday |
| 21 January 2023 | Mauni Amavasya | Saturday |
| 05 February 2023 | Magha Purnima | Sunday |
| 18 February 2023 | Mahashivratri | Saturday |
Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department makes sure that all the arrangements are done to let devotees coming from different parts of the country pray without any hindrances. The department arranges medical facilities, transportation services, electricity supply, tents, food stalls, and other necessary things.
Why is Magh Mela Held?
People believe that taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on the above-mentioned auspicious days washes away sins and leads to Moksha.
Importance of Magh Mela 2023
As per the traditions, the Magh Mela celebration is also known as Kalpavas. The 45 days of the Mela are equivalent to the length of the four Yugas (Satyug, Tretayug, Dwapar Yug, and Kalyug). The ones who strictly adhere to Kalpavas are called Kalpvasis. They can overcome their sins committed in the previous life and get free from the cycle of life and death by performing all religious rites.
How To Reach Magh Mela 2023 and Where To Stay?
To reach at the Holy City Prayagraj is quite easy. It is 120.9 Km away from Varanasi.
Nearest Major City: Varanasi
Nearest Airport: Allahabad Airport IXD
Nearest Railbase: Allahabad Chheoki Junction
You can stay in:
- Government-sponsored tents
- Temporary accommodation
- Ashrams and spiritual centres
- Hotels
Attractions of Magh Mela
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Holy Bath
On the auspicious days of Magh Mela (Poornima, Makar Sankranti, Maghi Amavasya, Basant Panchami, and Mahashivratri), devotees bath in Triveni Sangam. While taking the bath, they chant Jai Gange, Har Har Mahadev, and Om Namah Shivay.
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Ann Daan
The devotees distribute free food to saints, the destitute, monks and the needy at the festival. They also offer sesame and grain to the poor.
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Shayya Daan
A devotee who completes 12 Kalpavas donates his bed and other belongings under a ceremony called Shayya Daan.
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Havan
To invite and appease deities, saints and monks perform havan with religious chantings and offer samidha, fruits, sweets, flowers, etc.
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Arghya
Thousands of devotees pray and offer Arghya to Sun God after taking a dip in the holy river Ganga. They pray to Sun God for the happiness, prosperity, and health of their families.
Festivals Falling During Magh Mela 2023
| Lohri | 13th January 2023 | Friday |
| Makar Sankranti | 14th January 2023 | Saturday |
| Pongal | 15th-18th January 2023 | Sunday-Wednesday |
| Republic Day | 26th January 2023 | Thursday |
| Mahashivratri | 18th February 2023 | Saturday |
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the significance of the Magh Mela festival?
Magh Mela is a very prominent festival that celebrates the creation of the entire universe by God Brahma who is granted the title of ‘The Creator’.
- When is Magh Mela 2023?
Magh Mela 2023 started on 06th January 2023 and will continue until 18th February 2023.
- Where is Magh Mela 2023 happening?
Magh Mela is happening in Prayagraj (old Allahabad).
