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Magh Mela 2026 has begun at the Sangam in Prayagraj with the first major holy bath on Paush Purnima. Millions of devotees are taking a sacred dip as the sprawling tent city comes alive with faith and tradition. Extensive security, transport, and civic arrangements have been put in place for the 44-day-long religious congregation.
Faith Flows at Prayagraj as Magh Mela Opens with Paush Purnima Snan
Prayagraj: The Magh Mela 2026 has been inaugurated with great pomp on the sacred Sangam banks of Prayagraj. Millions of devotees began arriving at the Sangam ghats early in the morning for the first main bath on the occasion of Paush Purnima. Devotees were seen immersed in chanting and singing hymns as they took a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati. The entire area, amidst the tents set up on the sands of the Sangam, is filled with spiritual energy.
This historic Magh Mela will last for a total of 44 days. According to the administration, 120 to 150 million devotees and tourists are expected to visit during the fair period. Approximately 2 million pilgrims will perform Kalpvas on the banks of the Sangam from January 3 to February 1. Paush Purnima marks the beginning of the Kalpvasis' fasts and rituals, in which bathing, charity, penance, and meditation hold special significance.
Kumbh Mela attracts droves of pilgrims on Maghi Purnima
The Magh Mela has been divided into seven sectors. Keeping in mind the experiences of the Maha Kumbh, this time the fair area has been developed on the tent city model. Spread over an area of approximately 800 hectares, the fair has 126 kilometers of roads paved with checkered plates. At night, colorful LED lights in the Sangam area, fountains in the water, and color-coded changing rooms on the ghats are a highlight.
The safety of devotees has been given top priority. More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed in the fair area. In addition, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and other special security agencies are also continuously monitoring. 17 temporary police stations and 42 police posts have been set up to respond promptly to any emergency.
Colored signboards and help desks have been installed from the city to the fair area for the convenience of devotees. For transportation, 3,800 roadways buses, 75 e-buses, and over 500 e-rickshaws have been deployed. Seventeen fire stations have been set up for fire safety, while 3,300 sanitation workers are continuously working to maintain sanitation.
Maha Kumbh: Thousands take holy dip on Maghi Purnima
The Magh Mela is not just a religious event, but a symbol of centuries-old Sanatan tradition, culture, and social harmony. The presence of saints, Kalpavasis, and devotees on the banks of the Sangam is proof that this tradition of faith remains as vibrant and influential today.
