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Magh Mela 2026 at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj saw a record-breaking turnout of over 18 crore devotees, surpassing initial estimates of 12-15 crore. The festival, including the important Maghi Purnima, was managed with strict security measures, including AI cameras, drones, commandos, and water safety teams.
Magh Mela 2026 Sets New Attendance Records
Prayagraj: The Magh Mela 2026, held on the banks of the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, has reached its final and most vital stage. This grand festival of spirituality and faith has broken all previous crowd records. Organized by the Uttar Pradesh government as a "mini Kumbh," this fair has attracted an unprecedented influx of devotees from India and abroad. Four major bathing festivals have been successfully concluded so far, and the number of devotees is steadily increasing for the fifth major bathing festival, Maghi Purnima.
The administration had estimated the arrival of 120 to 150 million devotees during the Magh Mela season, but according to official figures, more than 180 million devotees have already taken the holy dip at the Sangam. An estimated 100 to 150 million devotees are expected on Maghi Purnima alone. In view of this, the approximately 3.5-kilometer-long bathing ghats on the banks of the Sangam have been specially renovated to avoid any disruption.
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In view of the massive crowds, the fair area has been transformed into a completely impenetrable fortress. For the first time, the entire area is being monitored with the help of AI-based cameras, drones, and high-resolution CCTV. Commandos from the UP ATS, RAF, PAC, and intelligence agencies are deployed at every nook and corner. Meanwhile, teams of the NDRF, SDRF, Water Police, and trained divers are on 24-hour alert to ensure water safety.
Keeping the convenience of devotees in mind, the administration has implemented a strict traffic plan. As with major bathing festivals, VIP protocol will be strictly prohibited on Maghi Purnima. Entry of heavy vehicles has been prohibited from midnight onwards, and a one-way traffic system has been implemented in the fair area to ensure the safe return of Kalpvasis and the smooth arrival of new devotees.
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Maghi Purnima marks the completion of the month-long, arduous Kalpavas. Most saints and pilgrims depart for their destinations after bathing on this day. However, some pilgrims will depart after the Trijata Snan. The Magh Mela will formally conclude with the final bath on Mahashivratri on February 15th, until which religious activities will continue in the fair area.
