According to the Hindu calendar, Magh Mela starts every year from the day of Makar Sankranti.  Magh Mela is organized every year in Prayagraj.  People come from all over the country and abroad to take bath in this Magh Mela of Prayagraj. During this time lakhs of people gather here and perform Kalpvas. Here the devotees make tents on the sand on the banks of Sangam and perform Kalpvas.  Regarding Kalpvas, let us tell you that the devotees living on the banks of Sangam during this period are called Kalpavasis. It is believed that Kalpavasis come here and take bath in the holy water and attain many types of supernatural powers.  Kalpavas ends on the day of Maghi Purnima.  During Kalpavas the daily routine also changes completely.  During Kalpavas, not only spiritual but also mental and physical purification takes place.

Based on Sanatan tradition, the Kalpavasi plant a Tulsi plant in front of their camp and also sow barley.  Since Tulsi and barley are considered the most revered in our Vedic culture, Kalpvasis also bring Tulsi Birwa from home along with their household. Actually, Kalpvas is a gift of the forest culture of the Vedic period.  The rule of Kalpavas has been following us for thousands of years.  When Allahabad was called Teerthraj Prayag.  In the past, it was not a huge city like today but was considered the abode of sages.  There was a dense forest around Ganga-Jamuna in Prayag area.  Rishis and sages used to meditate and meditate in this forest.  The sages had laid down the rule of Kalpavas for the householders.  According to him, during this period, householders were given education and initiation for a short period of time.  According to the rules of Kalpvas, during this period, any householder who comes with the resolution of Kalpvas stays in a hut made of leaves and grass which is called Parna Kuti. In fact, in Puranas and Dharmashastras, it is used for purification of soul and spiritual progress.  It has been said that it is necessary.  According to modern science, by starting this great bathing festival, our ancestors took a wise step towards developing the immunity of the common people against physical diseases.

What should be done during Kalpavas?

These things should be done during Kalpvas. 21 rules of Kalpvas have been mentioned in Padmapuran, the main rules are – do not lie, be free from household worries, take bath in Ganga twice, plant Tulsi tree in the camp,  One should follow celibacy, eat food prepared by oneself or one’s wife, listen to satsang, control the senses, perform Pind Daan, stay away from violence, pleasures and indulgences and do not criticize others and sleep on the ground only. According to Matsya Purana, the meaning of Kalpavas.  One has to reside on the banks of Sangam and study the Vedas and meditate.  Kalpavas is considered to be of utmost importance in Kumbh.  Kalpavas lasts from the 11th day of Paush month to the 12th day of Magh month.  While describing this in Padma Purana, it has been said that the one who resides on the banks of Sangam should be virtuous, have a peaceful mind and Jitendriya.  According to Matsyapuran, one who pledges for Kalpavas is born as a king in the next life and the one who commits Kalpavas with the desire of salvation definitely gets salvation.  The main functions of Kalpvasi are-1.  Penance2.  Home, 3. Donation.  During this time, food is eaten only once a day and mental patience, non-violence and devotion are followed. The Kalpavasi living in the hut here start the morning with a bath in the Ganga.  After that, satsang is held during the day and bhajan and kirtan continue till late night.  In this way, this period of more than two months, away from the worldly hustle and bustle, fills the body and mind with new energy. Kumbh and Kalpavas have been mentioned in Sanatan Hindu religion since ancient times.

What was the commercial history of Magh Mela?

Magh Mela is a religious and cultural fair which has now also become an important tourist festival. The historical importance is that this fair has witnessed the trade between India and Tibet.  The mythological name of Magh Mela is Thaulu of Barahat.  Barahaat means big market i.e. big market.  Before independence, Tibetan traders used to come here to sell rock salt, wool, gold, herbs, cows and horses in Baradahat.  At that time this fair used to last for a month.  Tibetan traders used to return from here with paddy and wheat.

In religious beliefs, this fair is said to be related to the Mahabharata period.  It is mentioned in the Adiparva of the Mahabharata that the Pandavas came here during their exile.  According to religious scriptures, people take bath in the Sangam during the Magh Mela.  They are freed from all sins and attain salvation at the end of life.  The month of Magh holds great importance for spiritual activities like bathing, charity etc.  and for earning great virtue.  Taking bath in Magh from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima is especially auspicious. It is believed that at this time nectar flows in the stream of holy rivers including Ganga.  This bathing festival is held in the months of Paush and Magh or every six years in the winter season on the banks of holy rivers located in Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain.  Innumerable devotees participate in the Ardh Kumbh that happens every 6 years and the Purna Kumbh that happens after 12 years and take bath together.

What are the benefits of Kalpavas to the body?

If Kalpavas is tested scientifically, it becomes clear that when our body comes in contact with disease-causing microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, our body produces antibodies against them.  Antibodies are particles made of protein that are produced in the cells of our body and protect the body from diseases.  Through Kumbh Snan and Kalpvas, the bodies of the Kalpvasis firstly come in contact with new diseases and disease causing microorganisms present in the bodies of the Kalpvasis who have come to spend Kalpvas in nature.  As a result, antibodies against these diseases start forming in their bodies.  Due to frequent bathing, a large amount of antibodies are produced in the body in the initial days itself.  Its effect is that the disease does not develop in the body but immunity starts developing against it.  In this way the body becomes stronger against dengue, chikungunya, TB and other such diseases.

What to do if you cannot take bath in Ganga?

By worshiping Sun God and Lord Vishnu Narayan in this month, every wish is fulfilled and one gets freedom from all sins.  Bathing in Ganga in Magh is said to be of great importance.  If it is not possible to do this, then take bath at home by mixing Ganga water in the bathing water.  By doing this remedy one can get the same results as by bathing in Ganga.