This guide is designed for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) planning a pilgrimage to the Magh Mela 2026. It provides a comprehensive overview of the Mela’s significance, a detailed travel itinerary, extensive flight information, and essential practical tips for a seamless spiritual journey.
The Sacred Significance of Magh Mela 2026
The Magh Mela is the annual Hindu pilgrimage held in Prayagraj (Allahabad) during the month of Magh (January-February). It is regarded as a smaller, annual version of the colossal Kumbh Mela.
Timing and Auspices
The Magh Mela 2026 will begin on Makara Sankranti, when the sun enters the Capricorn (Makar Rashi) zodiac sign, and conclude on Maha Shivaratri. The scriptures emphasize that devotion during the month of Magh at Prayag holds immense spiritual merit.
Location: The King of Tirthas
The Mela is centered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the subterranean Sarasvati rivers. This site is revered as the Tirtha Raja (King of all Pilgrimage Places). According to scripture, all holy places (tirthas) from the three realms assemble here during Magh to cleanse themselves of sins. On the dry riverbed, a temporary tent city, the Kumbh Nagri, is erected for the pilgrims.
Foundational Spiritual Practices
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The Holy Dip (Snan): The central ritual is bathing at the Sangam. This act during the Magh Mela 2026 is believed to multiply the purifying effect a thousandfold, with a three-day observance said to equal the merit of gifting one hundred thousand cows.
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Kalpavas Vow: This is a rigorous vow undertaken by devout pilgrims to reside at the Mela for the entire month. Kalpavasis live a life of renunciation, daily bathing, prayer, and listening to religious discourses.
Historical Antiquity
The Magh Mela is an ancient tradition with deep historical roots:
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In 644 CE, the Chinese monk Hsuan Tsang documented a gathering of 500,000 people where King Harshavardhana distributed his entire wealth in charity.
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Tulsidas’s Ramcharit Manas describes how gods and demons alike assemble at Prayag for a dip at the Sangam when the sun enters Capricorn in Magh.
Other Key Rituals
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Mundan (Tonsure): Pilgrims often shave their hair at the confluence, a ritual symbolizing the surrender of ego. It is promised that for every hair sacrificed, one is released from 10,000 rebirths.
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Offering to Veni Madhav: On their first visit, pilgrims traditionally offer a coconut to Veni Madhav, the presiding deity of the Triveni Sangam.
A 6-Day Spiritual Itinerary for Your Pilgrimage
This itinerary combines the profound experience of the Magh Mela 2026 with visits to the sacred cities of Ayodhya and Varanasi.
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Day 1: Prayagraj Arrival & Mela Introduction
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Arrive in Prayagraj by flight or train.
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Transfer to your hotel or campsite within the Mela grounds.
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In the evening, explore the vibrant atmosphere of the Magh Mela 2026 at night.
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Day 2: Prayagraj Magh Mela Exploration
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Take an early morning holy bath at the Triveni Sangam.
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Visit the Bade Hanuman Ji Temple.
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Spend the full day exploring the various camps, discourses, and rituals of the Mela.
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Day 3: Prayagraj to Ayodhya
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After breakfast, depart for Ayodhya.
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Visit Ram Janmbhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Dashrath Mahal, and take a dip at Saryu Ghat.
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Overnight stay in Ayodhya.
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Day 4: Ayodhya to Varanasi
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After breakfast, check out and proceed to Varanasi.
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Check in to your hotel upon arrival.
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In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti, visit the Kaal Bhairav Temple, and explore local markets.
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Day 5: Varanasi Local Sightseeing
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Early morning visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Visalakhi Temple.
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Visit Annapurna Devi, Durga Manas Temple, and Sankat Mochan Temple.
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In the afternoon, visit Sarnath to see the Lord Buddha Temple and stupas.
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Evening exploration of local attractions.
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Day 6: Departure from Varanasi
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After breakfast, check out and transfer to Varanasi Airport or Railway Station for your departure.
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Magh Mela 2026 Download to Magh Mela Full Itinerary
Bridging the Distance: Your Flight Guide for Magh Mela 2026
The closest international airports to Prayagraj are Varanasi (VNS) and Lucknow (LKO). New Delhi (DEL) is a major international hub with excellent connectivity via domestic flights and trains.
Flights from the UK to India
| Route | Airline / Type | Price (GBP/INR) | Booking Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Gatwick to Ahmedabad | Wizz Air (1 stop) | ₹60,589–₹70,000 | Book on Skyscanner | Cheapest one-way option |
| London Gatwick to Mumbai | Wizz Air (1 stop) | ₹33,668–₹35,000 | Book on MakeMyTrip | Good availability |
| London Stansted to Chennai | Pegasus Airlines (1 stop) | ₹70,381–₹77,000 | Book on Kayak | Moderate pricing |
| London to New Delhi | Air India, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways (Nonstop/Direct) | ₹43,000–₹50,000 | Air India | Premium option, fastest |
| London to New Delhi | Budget/Mixed Carriers (1–2 stops) | ₹57,000–₹66,000 | Google Flights | Best for budget travelers |
| London to Bangalore | Various Airlines (1–2 stops) | ₹68,000–₹70,000 | EaseMyTrip | Alternative destination |
| General UK to India Search | All Airlines & Routes | Starts ₹57,500+ | Skyscanner UK–India | Compare all options |
| General UK to India Search | All Airlines & Routes | Starts +₹60,500 | CheapFlights UK–India | UK-based booking site |
| General Flight Comparison | Multiple Platforms | Varies | Kayak Flight Routes | Compare prices across airlines |
| Nonstop London–Delhi | British Airways | ₹56,000–₹60,000 | British Airways | Premium carrier |
| London–India Flexible Dates | Virgin Atlantic | ₹96,000–₹1,00,000 | Virgin Atlantic | Regular scheduled flights |
✈️ USA to India Flights – Price Comparison
| Route | Airline / Type | Price (USD/INR) | Booking Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) to New Delhi (DEL) | Air India, United, American Airlines (1–2 stops) | ₹28,100–₹73,054 | Kayak | Most popular route, avg ₹73,054 |
| New York (JFK) to Mumbai (BOM) | Various Airlines (1–2 stops) | ₹27,922–₹90,985 | Skyscanner | Avg ₹90,985, budget options available |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to New Delhi (DEL) | American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates (1–2 stops) | ₹28,498–₹58,454 | Skyscanner | Cheaper LAX option, from ₹28,498 |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to Mumbai (BOM) | Air France, KLM (1 stop) | ₹29,961–₹60,545 | Indian Eagle | Budget-friendly fares available |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to Bangalore (BLR) | KLM, Qatar Airways (1–2 stops) | ₹30,243–₹62,652 | Skyscanner | Alternative destination option |
| Chicago (ORD) to New Delhi (DEL) | United, Air India (1 stop) | ₹31,000–₹90,677 | Kayak | Popular midwest route, avg ₹90,677 |
| Any US City to Any Indian City | Budget/Mixed Airlines (1–2 stops) | ₹26,003–₹80,828 | Cheapflights | General average ₹80,828 |
| Detroit (DTW) to New Delhi (DEL) | Various Airlines | ₹42,672–₹65,000 | Wego | Cheapest starting route |
| Any US City to India (Return) | All Airlines | ₹46,750–₹150,000 | Momondo | Round-trip average ₹100,372 |
| General Search – One-Way | All Airlines | Starting ₹26,003 | Google Flights | Lowest one-way fares found |
| Route | Airline / Type | Price (CAD/INR) | Booking Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto (YYZ) to New Delhi (DEL) | Air Canada, Cathay Pacific (1–2 stops) | ₹66,282–₹140,299 | Kayak | Most popular route, avg ₹140,299 |
| Toronto (YYZ) to Mumbai (BOM) | Air Canada, Cathay Pacific (1–2 stops) | ₹66,219–₹150,000 | Skyscanner | Popular route, good availability |
| Toronto (YYZ) to Bangalore (BLR) | Air Canada (1–2 stops) | ₹39,911–₹140,000 | Skyscanner | Budget option from ₹39,911 |
| Toronto (YYZ) to Hyderabad (HYD) | Air Canada (1–2 stops) | ₹39,911–₹135,000 | Skyscanner | Cheapest one-way from ₹39,911 |
| Vancouver (YVR) to New Delhi (DEL) | Air Canada, Qatar Airways (1–2 stops) | ₹42,408–₹146,068 | Kayak | Cheapest route, avg ₹42,408 |
| Vancouver (YVR) to Mumbai (BOM) | Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways (1–2 stops) | ₹66,000–₹150,000 | Skyscanner | Budget-friendly option |
| Vancouver (YVR) to Kolkata (CCU) | Various Airlines (1–2 stops) | ₹42,408–₹146,068 | Kayak | Popular budget route |
| Any Canada City to Any India City | Budget/Mixed Airlines (1–2 stops) | ₹47,941–₹116,491 | Cheapflights | General average ₹116,491 |
| General Round-Trip Canada to India | All Airlines | ₹105,451–₹160,000 | Momondo | Round-trip average ₹105,451 |
| Toronto to Delhi Round-trip (Wholesale) | Air Canada & Partners | ₹65,000–₹75,000 | Bains Travel | Wholesale prices (call for quotes) |
| Vancouver to Delhi Round-trip (Wholesale) | Air Canada & Partners | ₹67,000–₹77,000 | Bains Travel | Wholesale prices (call for quotes) |
Booking Platforms: For best results, compare prices across Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights, and MakeMyTrip. The period of January-February often provides the most competitive fares for your trip to the Magh Mela 2026.
What You Need to Enter India
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months past your date of arrival, with 2 blank pages.
- Visa or OCI Card: All foreign nationals require a visa (e-visa or regular paper visa) unless holding an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, which allows visa-free entry.
- e-Arrival Card: Digital disembarkation/arrival card to be completed online up to 72 hours before your flight (required from October 2025 for all foreign travelers, including OCI holders).
- Return Flight Ticket: Proof of onward/return travel is required.
- Hotel/Accommodation Booking Confirmation: For immigration and registration purposes.
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended; some airlines and tour packages may require it.
- Driver’s License/International Driving Permit: Needed only if you plan to drive in India.
- Vaccination Certificates: Required only if traveling from a country with yellow fever or polio risk; otherwise, recommended for health safety.
- Photocopies of Important Documents: Keep backups in physical and digital formats.
- Emergency Contact List: Both printed and saved in your phone.
- Travel Itinerary and Proof of Funds: May be requested at entry for some visas.
Note– For full Check List Click Here
Essential Travel Tips for a Seamless Pilgrimage
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Visa: Most NRIs require a visa. The Indian e-Visa is the most convenient option for tourism. Apply online well in advance of your travel dates for the Magh Mela 2026.
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Local SIM Card: Purchase an Indian SIM card at the airport upon arrival for affordable data and local calls. You will need your passport, visa, and a passport-sized photo.
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Language: Hindi is the primary language. While English is understood in tourist areas, learning key phrases is highly recommended: Namaste (Greeting), Dhanyavad (Thank you), Kripya (Please).
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Etiquette:
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Dress Code: Dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered, especially within the Mela grounds and at temples.
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Footwear: Remove shoes before entering any temple or a Sadhu’s camp.
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Photography: Always ask for permission before photographing ascetics (Sadhus) or individuals in prayer.
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A Confluence of Faith Awaits
The Magh Mela 2026 is more than a festival; it is a profound opportunity to immerse yourself in the living stream of Sanatana Dharma. It is a chance to dissolve the stresses of modern life, reconnect with your spiritual roots, and participate in a tradition that has flowed, like the Ganga herself, for millennia. By planning your journey with both spiritual intent and practical preparation, you ensure that your pilgrimage to the Triveni Sangam is a deeply transformative and enriching experience. Your spiritual homecoming awaits.