Why do saints and householders perform Kalpvas in Magh Mela in Prayagraj

At the time of the creation of the universe, Prajapati Brahma himself performed Yajna at the confluence of three rivers at Allahabad. The name of that place is Prayag. Pra-Prakrishta, yaga-yajna. Prayag is the actual place of Yajna ceremony. That is why people of Hindu community organize Yajna and Puja on Magh Purnima Tithi. Every year Magh Mela is held in Prayag, Allahabad in Maghmas. Magh Snan is organized at the Triveni Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati in Prayag.

This bath is also described in the Mahabharata and other Hindu Puranas. Many people call the Magh Snan of Prayag as Mini Kumbh according to the Hindu Almanac.

According to the scriptures, Prayagraj is the king of Tirtha. According to folklore, twelve drops of Amritbari fell from the nectar pot during the Tulkalam battle between the gods and the demons in Prayag, Nasik, Haridwar and Ujjain. Prayag, the confluence of Ganga-Yamuna-Saraswati, is the best meeting place among them.

Magh Mela begins on 6th January 2023, Paush Purnima. It will end on 18th February on Shivratri day. The fair lasted for 45 days. Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is responsible for the arrangements.

The month of Magha is deeply associated with 'Madha' i.e. Madhava form of Krishna. In this month, Kalpavasa, the greatness of Krishna worship, is observed by religious people. There are five important bathing yogas in Prayag throughout the month of Magha. Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Mouni Amavasya, Maghi Purnima and Mahashivratri.

Devotees live in a dream at the Prayag Magh Mela. Both unattached sadhu sannyasins and householders live in kalpavas. This tradition is very old. The Magh Mela on the banks of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati is considered a symbol of sacrifice, penance and renunciation. Kalpavasa is a residence on the banks of the confluence for a certain period of time. Those who live in Kalpavas are called Kalpavasi. During this stay satsanga, river bathing and svadhya are done.

People can get rid of problems in life if they follow the rules according to folk beliefs. A Kalpa resident who lives Kalpa with penance and concentration develops the ability to control his mind and senses. By one month's kalpavasa one can attain one kalpa i.e. one day's merit of Brahma. The 45 days are considered to symbolize the four yugas: Satya, Treta, Dwapara and Kali. Many devotees do penance at Sangam banks to get rid of the sins of their past lives.