Magh Mela 2026 begins in Prayagraj with Paush Purnima Snan; over 22 lakh take holy dip at Sangam

The country's largest annual spiritual and cultural gathering, Magh Mela 2026, began on Saturday at Tirthraj Prayagraj with the Paush Purnima Snan Parv. Devotees gathered in huge numbers at the Sangam and nearby ghats from early morning to take the sacred bath. Despite biting cold winds, faith and enthusiasm remained high throughout the day.

According to the administration, more than 22 lakh devotees had taken a holy dip at the Sangam by 4 pm. Officials estimate that the total number of bathers may cross 25 lakh by the end of the day. Devotees from across India arrived to bathe at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati.

Visitors described the Paush Purnima bath as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Nisha from Rewari, Haryana, said bathing in the sacred Triveni waters felt deeply spiritual. Kalpana Tomar from Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, said her long-pending wish of Triveni snan was finally fulfilled. Saints and seers from various Sanatan traditions also took the first dip of the Magh Mela.

The administration made extensive security arrangements following the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. More than 1,500 CCTV cameras are monitoring the city and Mela area round the clock from a central command center. Police personnel equipped with modern technology are managing crowds, while public address systems, watch towers, and water police patrols are ensuring smooth movement at bathing ghats.

The traditional Kalpvas, observed every year during Magh month on the banks of the Ganga, also began with the first snan. Over 4 lakh Kalpvasis took a dip and began their month-long vow of prayer, discipline, and austerity. The newly developed Prayagwal Nagar, created especially for Kalpvasis, became active with the arrival of devotees.

Prayagraj Commissioner Saumya said the arrangements were well received by pilgrims. Despite harsh weather, devotees praised cleanliness, safety and smooth facilities across the Mela area.