A month-long gathering of pilgrims at the , with holy dips on big days like and .
The story
- Pilgrims come to bathe at the Triveni in Prayagraj, where the Ganga, the Yamuna and the unseen Saraswati meet, during the month of Magh; the dip is seen as spiritual purification.
- Old texts such as the Mahabharata call Prayag the holiest of pilgrimages, and the gathering is centuries old.
- Some pilgrims stay the whole month in tents by the river, a practice called Kalpavas.
What happens
First big bathing day
The begins with the first holy dip.
The largest bathing day
The busiest day of the .
- Maha Shivratri
Last bathing day
The ends with the Maha Shivratri dip.
Where it happens
What to eat
Kachori sabzi
Urad-dal kachoris with potato sabzi, chana and chutney, in leaf plates.
Old sweet shops in Prayagraj such as Netram Moolchand on Netram Chauraha.
Dahi jalebi and lassi
Hot jalebi with curd, and thick lassi in clay cups.
Netram for dahi jalebi; Raja Ram Lassi Wala for lassi.
Know before you go
- The biggest bathing days are very crowded; consider a quieter weekday.
- Expect cold mornings by the river.
- Follow the administration's instructions on bathing areas.
Organised by
Uttar Pradesh government (Magh Mela administration)