Magh Mela 2026 is in full swing in Prayagraj, with millions of devotees braving intense cold to take a holy dip at the Sangam. The 44-day spiritual fair features enhanced security, modern facilities and digital services.
Prayagraj Witnesses Sea of Faith During Magh Mela 2026
Prayagraj: Amidst bone-chilling cold and dense fog, a unique confluence of faith, spirituality, and belief is being witnessed on the sacred sands of Prayagraj, the holy city of pilgrimage. Magh Mela 2026 is in full swing. This 44-day spiritual festival will conclude on February 15th, Mahashivratri. Amid chants of "Har Har Gange" and the blowing of conch shells, millions of devotees are taking a holy dip on the banks of the Sangam, seeking salvation.
This year, the Magh Mela is creating new history in terms of technology and facilities. The administration has made elaborate arrangements for security and convenience. Electricity poles with QR codes, digital information systems, and helicopter services have made the fair hi-tech. The administration is fully alert in view of major bathing festivals like Makar Sankranti and Mauni Amavasya.
Massive crowd gathers at Sangam as Magh Mela sees Maha Kumbh-like preparations
To promote tourism, helicopter service and paragliding have been introduced for the first time at this year's Magh Mela. Color-coded changing rooms have been constructed on the ghats for the convenience of women. Two large hospitals-Ganga and Triveni-with 20 beds each have been established in the fair area. Significantly, labor rooms have also been provided in these hospitals for the first time.
Keeping the convenience of pilgrims in mind, the Railways has launched the 'Mela Rail Seva' mobile app. Through this app, passengers can book tickets without waiting in long lines. Live train location, platform number, and lost and found information are also available. A toll-free number, 1800-4199-139, has been issued for emergencies.
The fair area has been transformed into an impenetrable security cordon. More than 10,000 police personnel, ATS teams, and snipers are deployed. Drones, CCTV cameras, and watchtowers are providing 24x7 surveillance. The NDRF, SDRF, water police, and divers are deployed at the ghats, while dog squads and bomb disposal squads are conducting regular checks.
Railways announce special trains for Magh Mela devotees; Check timings
Nearly 2 million Kalpvasis are engaged in a month-long rigorous fast and meditation on the banks of the Sangam. The huts of saints and sages from India and abroad fill the fair area with spiritual energy. On Paush Purnima alone, more than 3.1 million devotees bathed. This year, the major bathing dates include Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 18), Basant Panchami (January 23), Maghi Purnima (February 1), and Mahashivratri (February 15).
Under the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Magh Mela has been given a "divine and grand" look. At night, the Sangam appears like a dreamland with LED lights and colorful fountains, deeply touching the hearts of devotees.
