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2.4 Million Devotees Take Holy Dip in Ganga on First Day of Magh Mela

The annual Magh Mela pilgrimage began in Prayagraj with an immense turnout, as approximately 2.4 million devotees took a ritual bath in the Ganges by the afternoon of Paush Purnima. The event marks the first of six sacred bathing days during the 45-day festival held at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Significant numbers of pilgrims were also reported taking holy dips in Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Mathura on the same day. This large-scale gathering is a precursor to the even grander Kumbh and Maha Kumbh Melas, which cycle through this sacred site.

Key Points: 2.4 Million Take Holy Dip in Ganga for Magh Mela

  • Massive Pilgrimage Turnout
  • Sacred Triveni Sangam Site
  • 45-Day Festival Cycle
  • Part of Kumbh Mela Tradition
2 min read

Approximately 2.4 million people take holy dip in Ganga in Prayagraj by 3 PM on Paush Purnima

Over 2.4 million devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga at Prayagraj's Magh Mela on Paush Purnima, marking the start of the 45-day pilgrimage.

"Approximately 2.4 million people took a holy dip in the Ganges by 3 PM in Prayagraj on Saturday. - Chief Minister's Office"

Prayagraj, January 3

Approximately 2.4 million people took a holy dip in the Ganges by 3 PM in Prayagraj on Saturday on the occasion of Paush Purnima, the first bathing day of the Magh Mela.

According to the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's Office, in Varanasi, 1 million devotees have so far taken a dip in the Ganges at various ghats. In Ayodhya, 550,000 devotees, and in Mathura, 250,000 devotees have taken the holy bath.

The Magh Mela of Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), which takes place at the divine Triveni Sangam, the place of confluence of the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati, is one of the largest pilgrimages in India.

The pilgrimage is named after the Hindu month of Magh, which typically falls in January-February. The Prayag Magh Mela is a 45-day pilgrimage that begins on Paush Purnima (the full moon day of the month of Paush) and ends on Mahashivaratri, spanning the entire month of Magh. The mela commences on the full moon day of Paush with the snan (ritual dip). Over the course of the fair, there are a total of six ritual snans, viz. on Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti (beginning of Magh), Shattila Ekadashi (day of the waning of moon- Krishna Pakhsa- in the month of Magh), Mauni Amavasya (the no moon day of Magh when people take vow of silence), Basant Panchami (also called Magha Shukla Panchami, the fifth day of the waxing phase of moon in Magh), Achala Saptami (seventh day of waxing phase of moon in Magh, celebrated as the birthday of Lord Surya), Jaya Ekadashi (the day of fasting observed on the eleventh day of the waxing phase of moon in Magh) and Magh Purnima (the full moon day in Magh).

The annual Magh Mela transforms into the Kumbh Mela every fourth year at Prayag, and into the Maha Kumbh Mela every twelfth year, drawing millions of devout pilgrims to the grand event.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The numbers from Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Mathura are also astounding. It shows the deep-rooted spiritual connection people have with our sacred rivers. May Mother Ganga bless everyone who took the dip. Feeling emotional just reading this.
R
Rahul R
While the devotion is commendable, I hope equal focus is given to cleaning the river after the mela. We must protect the purity of the Ganga in a physical sense too. Faith and environmental responsibility should go hand in hand.
A
Anjali F
My grandparents are there for the entire 45-day kalpavas. The dedication of these pilgrims is incredible. The Magh Mela is not just a dip, it's a way of life for a month. So much tradition and history!
D
David E
Visiting India from the US, and the scale of this pilgrimage is mind-boggling. The logistics alone for 2.4 million people in one place are staggering. A powerful display of faith and community.
K
Karthik V
The article explains the significance of the different snan days so well. Mauni Amavasya is especially powerful. It's amazing how our festivals are so deeply connected to astronomy and the lunar calendar. 🇮🇳

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