Chandigarh, JAN 3: Pilgrims gathered in large numbers at the Sangam in Prayagraj on Saturday to mark the beginning of the Magh Mela, with officials estimating that lakhs would take the ritual bath despite freezing weather conditions.
By 10 a.m., about 9 lakh devotees had already taken a dip at the confluence, according to Magh Mela officials, as Paush Purnima bathing commenced early in the day.
The festival also marks the start of Kalpavas, a month-long religious observance during which devotees live near the Sangam, bathe twice daily and dedicate their time to worship and meditation.
Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Soumya Agarwal said extensive arrangements were made to accommodate the crowds.
“Twenty to thirty lakh devotees are expected to take a bath at the Ganga and the Sangam on Paush Purnima,” she said.
Nine pontoon bridges and 10 designated bathing ghats have been constructed to ensure smooth movement and safety, officials said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, welcoming pilgrims and religious leaders, said the Magh Mela was a symbol of faith and spiritual discipline.
“A warm welcome to saints, Akharas and devotees who have come to Prayagraj to take a holy dip,” he said in a message. “This is our prayer that Mother Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati bless everyone.”
Religious leaders said the crowd was expected to grow through the day. Rajendra Paliwal, president of the Prayag Dham Sangh, said nearly 20 lakh people, including Kalpavasis, were likely to bathe by evening.
ADM (Magh Mela) Dayanand Prasad said a separate township named Prayagwal has been established for Kalpavasis for the first time. “The township spans 950 bighas and is located opposite the Nagvasuki Temple,” he said.
Devotees welcomed the relatively manageable crowd on the opening day. Pooja Jha, who arrived from Kolkata with her family, said the experience was comfortable. “It is less crowded today, so people can bathe peacefully,” she said.
Shivani Mishra from Madhya Pradesh said she preferred the Magh Mela to larger congregations. “The smaller crowd allows a calmer and more spiritual experience,” she said.
The major bathing days of Magh Mela 2026 include Makar Sankranti (Jan. 14), Mauni Amavasya (Jan. 18), Basant Panchami (Jan. 23), Maghi Purnima (Feb. 1) and Mahashivratri (Feb. 15).
