Magh snan or Magha snanam is bathing in holy rivers during Magh month or Magh maas. Performing ritual bath or holy dip in the month is considered as highly meritorious. Devotees believe that Magh snan gives them opportunity to bless with fruitful life and salvation.
In 2023, Magh month starts on January 7 and ends on February 5 in North Indian Hindi calendar. Magh mahina 2023 begins on 22 January and ends on February 20 as per Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu, and Kannada calendars.
Magh Snan will be started on Pushya Bahula Amavasya as per Hindu calendars except North Indian calendars.
Magh Snan on Magh Purnima day is considered as highly meritorious as per the Padma Purana. Prayag Triveni Sangam is the best place to observe ritual bath. It is believed that even three days of Magh punya snan will provide devotees the result of thousands of sacrifices or yagnas.
After Magh snanam, devotees perform Shiva puja and Vishnu puja. Sesame seeds or Til and clothes are donated to poor people or Brahmins. As per ‘Shiva Rahasyam, lighting diyas or deepam with Til oil provides great wealth and health for devotees.
Magha Mela is a period of 30 days during Magh mahina during which Magh snan is performed in Allahbad Prayag Sangam in Uttar Pradesh.
Gangasagar Mela is also celebrated during this period in West Bengal. Shaiva kshetras (prominent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva) in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, seem much crowded during Magh month.