Magh Mela 2026Image Credit source: PTI
Magh 2026 Snan Dates: In Sanatan Dharma, the month of Magh is considered very auspicious. Especially the Magh Mela held in Prayagraj is a confluence of faith, penance, charity and bathing. According to the scriptures, bathing in the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati in the month of Magh gives salvation. In the year 2026, Magh Mela will start from 3rd January and continue till Mahashivratri on 15th February. During this period, many such holy dates come on which the special importance of bathing is given. Let us know in detail about the major bathing dates of Magh Mela including Mauni Amavasya from Makar Sankranti and their religious significance.
Magh Mela 2026: Major bathing dates
- 3 January 2026 Paush Purnima
- 15 January 2026 Makar Sankranti
- 18 January 2026 Mauni Amavasya
- 23 January 2026 Basant Panchami
- 1 February 2026 Maghi Purnima
- 15 February 2026 Mahashivratri
Paush Purnima (3 January 2026): The sacred beginning of Magh Snan
Magh Snan is considered to be formally started from Paush Purnima. From this day, Kalpavasi reside on the banks of Sangam and regularly bathe, chant and donate. There is a religious belief that taking bath on Paush Purnima removes the sins of previous births and inspires the person to follow the path of religion.
Makar Sankranti (15 January 2026): The great festival of Uttarayan of the Sun.
The day of Makar Sankranti is considered to be the most important festival of Magh Mela. On this day, Sun God comes out of Sagittarius and enters Capricorn, due to which Sun becomes Uttarayan. According to the scriptures, taking a bath in the Sangam on Makar Sankranti brings eternal virtue. Sesame seeds, jaggery and charity also have special significance.
Mauni Amavasya (18 January 2026): The most sacred bathing date
Mauni Amavasya is considered to be the most important and crowded date of Magh Mela. On this day, there is a tradition of taking bath, meditation and penance in silence. It is believed that bathing in Sangam on Mauni Amavasya gives results similar to Rajasuya Yagya and destroys all the sins of a person.
Basant Panchami (23 January 2026): Festival of knowledge and purity
Goddess Saraswati is worshiped on Basant Panchami. This date is also considered special for Magh Snan. Wearing yellow clothes and taking bath in Sangam on this day brings purity in knowledge, intellect and speech. According to sages and saints, this day is very auspicious for spiritual progress.
Maghi Purnima (1 February 2026): End of Kalpavas
Kalpavas ends on Maghi Purnima. Devotees who observe restraint, penance and rules for a month take their last bath on this day. There is a religious belief that by taking bath on Maghi Purnima, all the troubles of life end and man attains Vaikuntha.
Mahashivratri (15 February 2026): Divine conclusion of Magh Mela
Magh Mela ends on the day of Mahashivratri. This day is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this day, by doing Shiva puja and Rudrabhishek after taking Sangam bath, the seeker receives the blessings of Shiva and brings peace and balance in life.
Why is Magh bath special?
It is said in religious texts that Maghe Snanam Mahapunyam means bathing in the month of Magh is the greatest virtue. Magha bath not only purifies the body but also purifies the mind and soul. This is the reason why lakhs of devotees reach Magh Mela every year.
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.