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Magh Mela 2026 began on January 3 in Prayagraj with over 3.5 million devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam. Held after 75 years as a rare Mahamagh Mela, the 44-day religious fair features grand spiritual rituals, advanced security, modern facilities, and major bathing festivals.
Spiritual Fervour Peaks at Sangam During Magh Mela
Prayagraj: A grand clarion call of faith, spirituality, and tradition has been sounded on the sacred land of Prayagraj, the holy land of pilgrimage. The world-famous Magh Mela commenced on Saturday, January 3, 2026, on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima. Amidst bitter cold and dense fog, over 3.5 million devotees took a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati on the very first day. Significantly, this year, due to this rare coincidence occurring after 75 years, it is being called the "Mahamagh Mela."
This 44-day fair will conclude on February 15, the day of Mahashivratri. The tradition of chanting, penance, and charity on the banks of the Sangam is considered a path to salvation for the Kalpavasis. The entire fair area is immersed in a devotional atmosphere with chants of "Har Har Gange" and "Jai Maa Ganga."
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The Magh Mela area is divided into seven sectors, spanning approximately 800 hectares. For the convenience of devotees, 126 kilometers of checkered paths have been laid out. At night, the Sangam area is a captivating sight—canopies adorned with LED lights on boats, seven-colored fountains in the water, and color-coded changing rooms on the ghats attract devotees.
Under the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Magh Mela has been made as divine and grand as the Maha Kumbh. More than 10,000 police personnel, ATS teams, drones, CCTV, and snipers are deployed. Healthcare facilities include two large hospitals with 20 beds each, 12 outpatient department (OPDs), and 80 ambulances. For the first time, a labor room has also been provided for women.
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The 726th birth anniversary of Jagadguru Ramanandacharya will be celebrated with reverence on January 9 and 10. A procession will be held on January 9, and a Sant Sammelan on January 10. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to arrive at the Magh Mela during this time.
This year, the Magh Mela will feature six major bathing festivals—Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Maghi Purnima, and Mahashivratri. The city of tents is bustling with saints and sages from India and abroad. Even in the bone-chilling cold, the saints are engrossed in meditation.
