MEGH MELA
AT
ALLAHABAD
The Magh Mela is one of the greatest annual religious affairs for
Hindus. Hindu mythology considers the origin of the Magh Mela to be the
beginning of the Universe. An important occasion, the Magh Mela is held every
year on the banks of Triveni Sangam (the confluence of the three great rivers
Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) in Prayag near Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh.
In accordance with the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North
India, this holy fair is organised every year during the Hindu month of Magh
(corresponding to mid January - mid February of the Gregorian calendar); hence
the name. The Magh Mela is, however, not confined only to the month of Magh and
the important bathing dates are spread over a period of 45 days. The Magh Mela
is actually a smaller version of Kumbh Mela. Hence it is also known as mini
Kumbh Mela.
The second Maha kumbh of this century at Prayag concluded with a
magnificent ritual bathing on the occasion of Mahashivratri on March 10, 2013.
The Kumbh, the largest gathering of humanity on any occasion on the earth, had
started with a ritual bathing on Makar Sankranti day, January 14, and in the 55
days of its duration, nearly 12 crore pilgrims and visitors from all over India
and many corners of the world took a dip at the Sangam – the confluence of the
holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.
During the entire Mela, the sadhus, especially Naga sadhus, various
Akhadas, religious and other rituals attracted the attention of visitors from
around the globe. For the millions of pilgrims and visitors, taking a dip in
the Sangam is more than a mere bath, but an expression of one’s faith in the
great divine power.
Special Bathing Dates-2017
12th January 2017 - Paush Purnima
14th January 2017 - Makar
Sankranti
27th January 2017 - Mauni
Amavasya
01th February 2017 - Basant
Panchami
10th February 2017 - Maghi
Purnima
24th February 2017 - Maha
Shivratri
