Magh Mela vs Kumbh MelaImage Credit source: PTI
Once again a fair of faith has been organized on the sands of Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Magh Mela has started from Paush Purnima on 3 January 2026, which will continue till Mahashivratri on 15 February 2026. Lakhs of devotees from all over the country and the world are coming to take a holy dip in this fair which will last for the next 44 days. Often people consider Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela to be the same, because both are organized in Prayagraj and Sangam Snan is important in both. But do you know that despite similar names and places, there is a big difference in the events and traditions of these two? Let us understand it in simple language.
event time
Magh Mela: This is an annual fair organized every year. It takes place every year in the month of Magh according to the Hindu calendar.
Kumbh Mela: This does not happen every year. Purna Kumbh is held every 12 years, while Ardh Kumbh is held every 6 years.
Kalpavas tradition
Magh Mela is especially known for Kalpavas.
During Magh Mela, devotees called Kalpavasi stay in tents on the banks of Sangam for a month. They eat satvik food, sleep on the ground and bathe and meditate three times a day.
Kalpavas also takes place in the Kumbh Mela, but the main attraction of the Kumbh is the royal bath and the arrival of sages and saints from the Akharas.
Shahi Snan and Akhara
Kumbh Mela: During Kumbh, a royal procession of sages and saints from 13 Akharas takes out and they take royal bath on special dates. This is the biggest identity of Aquarius.
Magh Mela: In this, there is no such activity of Akharas or tradition of royal bath as there is in Kumbh. Here the main emphasis is on the devotion of common devotees and Kalpavasis.
Religious belief and expansion
Kumbh Mela: According to religious beliefs, during the churning of the ocean, drops of nectar fell at four places including Prayagraj, hence Kumbh is organized on the basis of the special position of the planets and constellations. Its form is global.
Magh Mela: It is based on the entry of Lord Surya into Capricorn and the religious significance of the month of Magh. It is also called Mini Kumbh, but it is mainly a center of local and regional faith.
Magh Mela 2026: Major bathing dates
- Paush Purnima (Start) 3 January 2026
- Makar Sankranti 14 January 2026
- Mauni Amavasya 19 January 2026
- Basant Panchami 23 January 2026
- Maghi Purnima 2 February 2026
- Mahashivratri (conclusion) 15 February 2026
Also read: Why was the month of Magh called the ocean of virtue? What is its importance in the scriptures
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.