Magh Mela 2027 at Prayagraj is listed by India’s official tourism portal as running from 15 January to 6 March 2027. The main bathing days usually follow Makar Sankranti, Paush Purnima, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami and Maghi Purnima. Fly into Prayagraj Airport (IXD) at Bamrauli, book early for the big snan days, and confirm dates with the mela administration.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
The Magh Mela is held every year on the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna at Prayagraj. It is smaller than a Kumbh year, but the main bathing days still draw very large crowds, so flights and trains fill up early.
When is Magh Mela 2027?
The Incredible India tourism portal lists the Magh Mela 2027 at Prayagraj as running from 15 January 2027 to 6 March 2027. That page does not list individual bathing dates, so the snan days below come from panchang-based festival calendars and follow the usual order of the Hindu month of Magha.
- Makar Sankranti: Friday 15 January 2027, usually treated as the first major bath. Some calendars show 14 January, so check a local panchang.
- Paush Purnima: Friday 22 January 2027, when Kalpvas (the month-long stay at the Sangam) traditionally begins.
- Mauni Amavasya: Saturday 6 February 2027, generally the largest bathing day of the mela.
- Basant Panchami: Thursday 11 February 2027.
- Maghi Purnima: Saturday 20 February 2027, when Kalpvas traditionally ends.
The mela administration’s own schedule takes precedence over any calendar. Exact snan timings (the punya kaal) can start the night before or run into the next morning, so verify closer to the date.
Which airport do you fly into for Prayagraj?
The city is served by Prayagraj Airport (IXD), also known as Bamrauli Airport. It is operated by the Airports Authority of India and shares its site with an Indian Air Force station. The Incredible India portal names Prayagraj Airport as the nearest airport for the mela.
Scheduled passenger flights operate from IXD, but the list of airlines and routes changes with each season. Search your date on HappyFares to see what is actually flying, rather than relying on an old route list. If your preferred date has no direct flight, a nearby larger airport plus onward road or rail travel is a common backup.
When should you book flights for the big snan days?
Flights around Mauni Amavasya and the other main bathing days tend to sell out earlier and cost more than ordinary weeks. Fares typically rise as seats fill, so booking well ahead of your travel date usually gives you more choice. A price alert is a simple way to watch a route without checking every day.
If your dates are flexible, travelling a day or two before or after a major snan often means fewer crowds at the airport and on the roads. Many pilgrims also visit on ordinary days in the mela period, when the grounds are calmer.
What should you plan for on the ground?
On big bathing days, the mela administration typically sets up traffic diversions and restricted vehicle zones near the Sangam. Allow extra time to reach the airport, and keep your return flight buffer generous, because road delays are common during peak days.
- Carry a government photo ID for the flight and keep a copy of your booking handy.
- Pack light. Mela grounds involve a lot of walking, and a small bag is easier to manage.
- Keep warm clothes ready. January and February mornings by the river are cold.
- Book your stay early, as accommodation near the mela fills quickly on key dates.
Did you know? Prayagraj was known as Allahabad until its official renaming, and its airport is still often listed under the older name in some travel listings.
It is usually wise to book both directions together, or at least to fix your return date early. Pilgrims often stay for more than one bathing day, and return flights on the days right after a major snan tend to fill up quickly. If your plans may change, compare fare rules before you pay, and choose a fare whose change and cancellation terms suit you. Travel insurance is also worth considering for a trip planned around a fixed religious date.
Is it better to go on the main day or a quieter day?
The main snan days carry the strongest religious significance, which is why many families plan around them. The trade-off is crowd size, higher travel costs and longer waits. Quieter days still give you access to the Sangam and the mela grounds. Choose based on what matters most to your family, and keep elderly travellers and young children in mind when deciding.
Common Questions
Is Magh Mela the same as Kumbh Mela?
No. The Magh Mela is held every year at Prayagraj in the month of Magha. The Kumbh cycles are separate and much larger events held at a set interval.
Which is the biggest bathing day in Magh Mela 2027?
Mauni Amavasya, listed for Saturday 6 February 2027, is generally described as the largest bathing day of the mela.
Does Prayagraj have an airport?
Yes. Prayagraj Airport (IXD) at Bamrauli is operated by the Airports Authority of India and handles scheduled passenger flights. Check current airlines and routes for your travel date.
Is checking in free?
Checking in is free on every Indian airline, on the web and at the airport. Complete web check-in early to save time at the airport.
Will fares rise during the mela?
Fares typically rise around the main bathing days because demand is higher and seats fill. Booking early and using price alerts generally helps.
Are the dates final?
The mela period is listed by the tourism portal, but individual snan dates and timings depend on the panchang and the mela administration. Confirm before you book non-refundable plans.
Planning a trip to Prayagraj? Search and compare flights on HappyFares, with zero convenience fee on domestic bookings, and set a price alert to catch a better fare before the snan days.
Dates, rules and fees change; verify current specifics with the airline, the mela administration or the airport before you travel.
