Magh Mela 2011 - Magha Mela Dates in January and February 2011 at Sangam

Magh Mela 2011 is an important annual Hindu bathing ritual held on the banks of Sangam (Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) in Prayag (modern day Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh. Magh Mela 2011 begins on January 14, 2011 and ends on March 3, 2011. This mela is also known as mini Kumbh Mela and is held in Magha month (December – January) as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India.

The main ritual in Magh Mela 2011 involves taking a holy dip (bathing) at Sangam on auspicious dates. It must be noted here that Magh Mela is not confined to the Magh month and the important bathing dates are spread over a period of 45 days.

The important Bathing dates during Magh Mela 2011 are:

January 14, 2011 (Makar Sankranti)

January 19, 2011 (Paush Purnima)

January 23, 2011 (Mauni Amavasya and Surya Grahan)

February 8, 2011 (Basant Panchami)

February 18, 2011 (Magh Poornima)

March 3, 2011 (Maha Shivratri)

In Hinduism, it is widely believed that taking a holy dip at the Sangam on the auspicious days during the Magh mela period will wash away the sins and will lead to Moksha (merging with the Supreme Soul) – the ultimate aim of Hindus.

Important bathing dates during Magh mela attract nearly a million Hindu devotees.

A temporary tent city is erected on the banks of Ganga in Allahabad. Numerous religious organizations and ashrams erect separate camps for their followers.

A major highlight during the period is the Kalpavasis – pilgrims who live in these camps during the period of the Magh Mela.