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Devotees Throng Sangam for Basant Panchami Holy Dip Amid High-Tech Security

Devotees gathered in massive numbers at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for a holy dip on the occasion of Basant Panchami, as part of the ongoing 45-day Magh Mela. The Supreme Court issued an interim arrangement allowing both Hindu and Muslim communities to perform religious practices at the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar on this day. Authorities deployed high-tech surveillance, including AI-enabled cameras and drones, along with specialized police teams to manage security for the lakhs of pilgrims. The festival was also marked by prayers and rituals at other holy sites including Ayodhya's Saryu Ghat and Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Key Points: Basant Panchami 2026: Holy Dip at Sangam, Supreme Court Bhojshala Order

  • Lakhs gather at Triveni Sangam for holy dip
  • Supreme Court interim order for Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex
  • High-tech AI & drone surveillance deployed
  • 45-day Magh Mela pilgrimage ongoing
  • Prayers held in Ayodhya and Ujjain
2 min read

Devotees gather in large numbers at Sangam in Prayagraj to take holy dip on Basant Panchami

Lakhs gather at Prayagraj's Sangam for Basant Panchami dip. Supreme Court allows prayers at Bhojshala. High-tech AI surveillance deployed for Magh Mela security.

"The entire fair area is covered through our AI cameras and drones... it is being ensured that devotees take the holy dip under complete security. - Ajay Pal Sharma"

Prayagraj, January 23

Devotees gathered in large numbers at Sangam in Prayagraj during the annual Magh Mela to take a holy dip on the occasion of Basant Panchami on Friday.

In Ayodhya, devotees took a holy dip at Saryu Ghat and performed worship and prayers on the occasion of Basant Panchami. In Ujjain, a special Bhasma Aarti was performed at Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Prayers on Basant Panchami will be held at Bhojshala today, following the Supreme Court order allowing Hindus and Muslims to offer prayers at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered an interim arrangement at the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar, to allow both Hindu and Muslim communities to perform their religious practices on Basant Panchami, which happens to fall on a Friday - coinciding with Jumuah (special midday prayer).

As festive fervour pervades the regions that celebrate Basant Panchami, Prayagraj Additional Police Commissioner Ajay Pal Sharma announced that high-tech surveillance, including AI-enabled cameras and drones, has been deployed to monitor the massive crowds expected for the holy dip on the occasion. The specialised monitoring system aims to manage the movement of lakhs of pilgrims arriving at the Triveni Sangam for the Magh Mela 2026.

Ahead of the preparations for the Basant Panchami Snan, Ajay Pal Sharma said on Thursday, "January 23 is the festival of Basant Panchami. Lakhs of devotees are expected to arrive here. For this, the inter-district diversion plan has been implemented from 12 midnight tonight. Heavy vehicles have been diverted, and strict monitoring is being maintained. The entire fair area is covered through our AI cameras and drones, teams of ATS, STF and ANTF are present in view of the bathing at Triveni, water police personnel have been deployed at different ghats, the diversion plan has come into effect from 12 midnight tonight; it is being ensured that devotees take the holy dip under complete security."

On the occasion of Basant Panchami, devotees continue to arrive in large numbers at the Magh Mela held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Magh Mela is a 45-day annual Hindu pilgrimage that started on January 3 and will go on till February 15 2026, centring around the holy Triveni Sangam (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati). As a significant event, it involves holy dips, beginning on Paush Purnima and ending on Mahashivaratri, featuring massive congregations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good to see the police using AI and drones for crowd management. With lakhs of people, safety is paramount. The Magh Mela is a massive logistical challenge every year. Hope all devotees have a safe and peaceful snan.
A
Aman W
While the arrangements seem robust, I hope the focus on high-tech surveillance doesn't take away from the spiritual experience. Sometimes the sheer presence of security forces can feel overwhelming. The essence should be devotion, not just crowd control.
S
Sarah B
The confluence of Basant Panchami and Jumu'ah prayers on the same day, and the court's interim arrangement, is a fascinating example of India's complex religious tapestry. Hoping for a peaceful observance for all.
V
Vikram M
Jai Maa Saraswati! 🎵 The faith that brings people to the banks of the Sangam in such numbers, despite the cold, is truly remarkable. It's our traditions that keep us grounded. From Prayagraj to Ujjain, the devotion is unifying.
K
Karthik V
The 45-day Magh Mela is a testament to our enduring cultural practices. My grandparents used to go every year. It's more than a dip; it's a community, a temporary city of faith. Glad the authorities are taking security seriously.

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