The Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj—the sacred meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati—is where faith feels almost tangible. During Magh Mela 2026, taking a holy dip (Sangam Snan) between 3 January and 15 February becomes more than a ritual; it’s a spiritual reboot. Devotees believe that a single dip can wash away lifetimes of sins and guide them toward moksha.
This guide covers everything you need—Magh Mela 2026 Snan Dates, timings, spiritual benefits, rituals, safety tips, and more.
Why Is Sangam Snan Important During Magh Mela?
Magh Mela falls in the auspicious lunar month of Magh, when Uttarayana (the sun’s northward movement) enhances the purifying strength of the sacred rivers. Scriptures like the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana praise Prayagraj as the King of Tirthas, declaring that bathing here equals intense penance performed elsewhere.
A Sangam Snan symbolizes:
- Purification: Ganga cleanses karma
- Devotion: Yamuna dissolves ego
- Wisdom: Saraswati elevates intellect
Magh Mela 2026 Snan Dates
If you are planning your trip, remember that knowing the Magh Mela 2026 Start and End Date helps you select the most peaceful and spiritually rewarding day for your visit.
Below is the full schedule of Magh Mela 2026 Snan Dates, aligned with key lunar phases and auspicious tithis:
Snan Parva Schedule for Magh Mela 2026
| Snan Day | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paush Purnima | 3 January | Saturday | Start of Mela; ideal for first-time pilgrims; Kalpvas begins. |
| Makar Sankranti | 14 January | Wednesday | First major snan; Sun enters Capricorn; considered highly energizing. |
| Mauni Amavasya | 18 January | Sunday | Most sacred day; millions observe silence and bathe for spiritual upliftment. |
| Basant Panchami | 23 January | Friday | Welcoming spring; day of Saraswati Puja and new beginnings. |
| Maghi Purnima | 1 February | Sunday | Completion of Kalpvas; full moon enhances spiritual merit. |
| Mahashivratri | 15 February | Sunday | Final holy bath; dedicated to Lord Shiva and inner purification. |
Tip: Minor date variations may occur as per panchang. Always verify with the Prayagraj Mela Authority app.
Sangam Snan Timings: Best Time for Holy Bath
For maximum punya, bathing is advised during Punya Kaal, especially between Brahma Muhurta (3:30–5:00 AM). Early morning dips are believed to carry amplified spiritual benefits.
Magh Mela 2026 Snan Dates and Snan Timings
| Date (2026) | Sunrise (AM) | Punya Kaal (AM) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Jan – Paush Purnima | 6:05–6:15 | 5:30–7:00 | Ideal start; manageable crowds. |
| 14 Jan – Makar Sankranti | 6:00–6:10 | 5:15–7:00 | Chant Surya mantras for best results. |
| 18 Jan – Mauni Amavasya | 6:00–6:20 | 4:30–7:30 | Arrive by 4 AM; observe silence. |
| 23 Jan – Basant Panchami | 5:57–6:10 | 5:15–7:00 | Wear yellow; pray for knowledge. |
| 1 Feb – Maghi Purnima | ~5:50 | 5:00–6:45 | Lovely evening glow for second dip. |
| 15 Feb – Mahashivratri | ~5:45 | 4:00–6:30 | Shiva chants add immense merit. |
Duration: 10–20 minutes per dip; traditionally three dips representing the three rivers.
Benefits of Sangam Snan
Sangam Snan during Magh Mela isn’t just a dip—it’s emotional detox, karmic cleansing, and mental recalibration.
Key Benefits
- Sin Cleansing: Believed to remove sins accumulated over past lives
- Moksha & Ancestral Peace: Helps attain liberation and benefits ancestors (pitrs)
- Better Health: Cold water improves immunity and reduces inflammation
- Wisdom & Prosperity: Blessings of Saraswati boost intellect and clarity
- Emotional Balance: Releases stress, heaviness, and negative patterns
On Mauni Amavasya, these benefits are said to multiply 100 times.
How to Perform Sangam Snan Properly (Step-by-Step)
Before the Snan
- Eat light or fast
- Wear cotton or wool layers
- Carry essentials: towel, flowers, coins
At the Ghat
- Enter via Mela-designated sectors
- Chant: “Om Gange Cha Yamune Chaiva Godavari Saraswati…”
- Dip 3 times facing east
- Offer arghya to the Sun
- Visit nearby temples post-snan
Eco-Friendly Tip
Use only biodegradable offerings. Avoid plastic completely.
Essential Travel & Safety Tips
Crowd Tips
- Mauni Amavasya attracts the largest crowd (5–10 million)
- Choose weekdays for a relaxed experience
- Women’s and family zones available
Weather
- Temperature: 4–15°C
- Layer well; thermals are your best friend
Transport
- Prayagraj Junction: Well-connected by trains
- Prayagraj Airport: ~1 hour from Mela ( Prayagraj Airport to Magh Mela Distance approx 18–20 km)
- Autos to Mela gate: ₹50–100
Facilities
- Free changing rooms
- Medical tents
- Police assistance booths
- Live updates on Prayagraj Mela app
Approx Expenses
- Entry: Free
- Boat ride: ₹100–₹200
- Parking: As per Mela authority
Final Thoughts
A dip at Triveni Sangam during Magh Mela 2026 feels like stepping into a river of light—purifying, grounding, and uplifting. Whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal or simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience, these Magh Mela 2026 Snan Dates guide you toward the most powerful moments of the festival.
Faq’s
The key snan dates for Magh Mela 2026 are Paush Purnima (3 Jan), Makar Sankranti (14 Jan), Mauni Amavasya (18 Jan), Basant Panchami (23 Jan), Maghi Purnima (1 Feb), and Mahashivratri (15 Feb). These are the most auspicious bathing days at the Triveni Sangam.
Mauni Amavasya (18 January 2026) is considered the holiest day. Millions gather before dawn, maintain silence (maun), and take the most spiritually potent dip of the festival.
The most auspicious time is Brahma Muhurta (3:30–5:00 AM) and the wider Punya Kaal window (pre-dawn to sunrise). Early morning dips are believed to bring maximum punya (spiritual merit).
Very cold! Temperatures range between 4–15°C, so wear thermals, carry warm clothing, and drink hot tea available at stalls after your snan.
You can reach via Prayagraj Junction (rail), Prayagraj Airport, or city buses/autos. The Mela Authority provides shuttles from major points to the ghats.