Magh Mela 2026 begins in Prayagraj; lakhs take Paush Purnima dip amid cold wave
PTC Web Desk: Prayagraj witnessed a massive influx of devotees on Saturday as the Magh Mela 2026 commenced with the auspicious Paush Purnima bath, drawing people from across the country to the Sangam despite freezing winter conditions.
From elderly pilgrims to young children, lakhs stepped into the icy waters at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, marking the beginning of the sacred month-long Kalpavas. The ritual, deeply rooted in Hindu belief, is observed by devotees who commit to a life of discipline, including twice-daily holy baths, single daily meals and extended periods of meditation and worship.
श्रीगङ्गादेव्यै नमः
माघ मेला के शुभारंभ एवं पावन पौष पूर्णिमा की सभी श्रद्धालुओं व प्रदेश वासियों को हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं।
पवित्र संगम में आस्था की डुबकी लगाने हेतु तीर्थराज प्रयाग पधारे सभी पूज्य साधु-संतों, धर्माचार्यों, सभी अखाड़ों एवं कल्पवासियों का हार्दिक स्वागत… pic.twitter.com/fNWrWeeJSX — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 3, 2026
Officials overseeing the Magh Mela said that nearly nine lakh devotees had taken the ritual dip by 10 am, with the number expected to rise steadily as the day progressed. The cold morning hours saw relatively thinner crowds, but pilgrim turnout increased as temperatures became more bearable.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended greetings to devotees on the occasion, offering prayers for the fulfilment of wishes of all pilgrims bathing at the Sangam. In a message shared on X, he welcomed saints, seers, members of various akharas and pilgrims to Prayagraj, calling it the foremost of pilgrimage sites.
Religious leaders echoed similar sentiments. Acharya Rajendra Mishra, president of the Triveni Sangam Aarti Seva Samiti, said nearly five lakh devotees were expected to formally begin their Kalpavas on Saturday. Another religious body estimated that the total number of bathers, including Kalpavasis, could touch 20 lakh by evening.
Authorities have declared the auspicious bathing window open till 4 pm, after which Kalpavasis are expected to take their vows under the guidance of priests and settle into their temporary camps at the fairgrounds.
According to Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Soumya Agarwal, arrangements have been made keeping in mind an expected footfall of 20 to 30 lakh devotees on Paush Purnima alone. Ten bathing ghats spanning nearly 10,000 square feet have been developed, along with nine pontoon bridges to ease movement.
Adding a distinctive presence on the opening day, Kinnar Akhada leader Kalyani Nand Giri also took the holy dip. Calling the turnout overwhelming, she remarked that the scale and enthusiasm resembled the Kumbh Mela rather than the Magh Mela. Notably, the Kinnar Akhada is observing Kalpavas at the Magh Mela for the first time.
In a significant administrative initiative, a dedicated township named Prayagwal has been established for Kalpavasis for the first time. Spread across 950 bighas opposite the Nagvasuki Temple, the township aims to provide organised accommodation and essential facilities to pilgrims during the fair.
Apart from Paush Purnima, other major bathing dates of Magh Mela 2026 include Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 18, Basant Panchami on January 23, Maghi Purnima on February 1 and Mahashivratri on February 15.
- With inputs from agencies
