Prayagraj Magh Mela 2026: dates and travel recap
Correction notice, updated 3 September 2026: Magh Mela 2026 ran from 3 January to 15 February, not 16 February. This is now a historical reference; the 2026 booking window has closed.
Source: Akashvani / News on AIR — Magh Mela 2026 calendar
Verified 2026 bathing calendar
| Observance | Date |
|---|---|
| Paush Purnima | 3 January 2026 |
| Makar Sankranti | 14 January 2026 |
| Mauni Amavasya | 18 January 2026 |
| Basant Panchami | 23 January 2026 |
| Maghi Purnima | 1 February 2026 |
| Maha Shivaratri / closing day | 15 February 2026 |
The former page called one date a “Shahi Snan,” predicted 10–20 million visitors, promised urgent dispatch and published exact departure windows. Those statements were not supported by the official calendar and have been removed.
Magh Mela is not Maha Kumbh
Prayagraj Maha Kumbh ran from 13 January to 26 February 2025. There was no Maha Kumbh in 2026; Magh Mela was the annual event. See the Government of India Maha Kumbh 2025 schedule.
Planning a future mela trip
Do not reuse a 2026 parking pass, coloured sticker, shuttle route or drop point for another edition. Before travelling:
- Use that year's official bathing calendar.
- Check Prayagraj district and traffic-police notices.
- Confirm the last permitted vehicle point and walking distance.
- Keep medicines, warm clothing and a clear regroup point for older travellers.
Varanasi to Prayagraj is normally about 120–125 km by road, but mela-day journey time depends on the pickup point and official diversions.