What is Tila Daan and why is it performed at Magh Mela?

Tila Daan is the ritual donation of sesame seeds (til) and is considered one of the most spiritually potent daans mentioned in Hindu scriptures. The Padma Purana, Garuda Purana, and Matsya Purana all recommend Tila Daan as a powerful remedy for Pitru Dosh, for purification of sins (paap-mochan), and for earning ancestral blessings. At Magh Mela in Prayagraj, Tila Daan holds special significance because the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at Triveni Sangam multiplies the spiritual merit (punya) of any charitable act performed here. According to tradition, til (sesame) originated from the sweat of Lord Vishnu and carries his divine essence, making it a preferred offering for both deities and ancestors. The Magh month (January-February), which is the core period of Magh Mela, is considered the most auspicious for Tila Daan — devotees offer sesame seeds to Brahmins along with prayers for ancestral peace and removal of planetary doshas. Tila Daan can be performed on any day of Magh Mela but is especially powerful on Mauni Amavasya, Vasant Panchami, and Magh Purnima.