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Devotees Flock to Haridwar for Holy Ganga Dip on Magh Mela's First Day

Devotees gathered in large numbers at Haridwar for a holy dip in the Ganga River on Paush Purnima, marking the commencement of the Magh Mela 2026. The event signifies the first of several ritual baths in this 45-day pilgrimage, which is characterized by deep devotional fervor along the riverbanks. The Magh Mela, centered in Prayagraj at the Triveni Sangam, features six primary bathing dates with profound religious significance. This annual pilgrimage cyclically transforms into the larger Kumbh and Maha Kumbh Melas, drawing millions of faithful participants.

Key Points: Magh Mela 2026 Begins with Holy Dip in Haridwar

  • First ritual bath on Paush Purnima
  • Start of 45-day Magh Mela
  • Six key bathing dates ahead
  • Pilgrimage leads to Kumbh Mela
2 min read

Haridwar: Devotees take holy dip in Ganga River on first day of Magh Mela

Pilgrims gather at Haridwar for the first sacred bath of Magh Mela 2026 on Paush Purnima, marking the start of a 45-day Hindu pilgrimage.

"The atmosphere at the ghats was marked by devotional fervour, with chants and prayers echoing along the riverbanks. - Report"

Haridwar, January 3

Devotees gathered in large numbers at Haridwar on Saturday to take a holy dip in the Ganga River on the occasion of Paush Purnima.

The day marked the first 'snaan' as well as the commencement of the Magh Mela 2026.

From early morning, pilgrims from across the country arrived at the ghats to participate in the ritual bath, which holds special religious significance in Hindu tradition. The atmosphere at the ghats was marked by devotional fervour, with chants and prayers echoing along the riverbanks.

The Magh Mela will continue in the coming weeks, with several other essential bathing dates scheduled ahead.

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

R
Rohit P
It's a beautiful tradition, but I hope the local administration is managing the crowd and waste properly. We must protect the purity of Mother Ganga, not just with prayers but with action. Last year there were reports of plastic waste.
A
Aman W
The scale is always mind-boggling. From a logistics perspective, organizing something for millions of people is a massive task. Kudos to the police and volunteers for ensuring safety. Jai Ganga Maiyya!
S
Sarah B
The cultural and spiritual significance is profound. As someone visiting from abroad, witnessing the Magh Mela was a deeply moving experience. The article explains the dates so well. The devotion is palpable in the air.
V
Vikram M
My family is there right now for the first snaan! They sent videos, and the chants of "Har Har Gange, Gange Mata ki Jai" gave me goosebumps. This is the real India, united in faith. Can't wait for Mahashivratri.
K
Karthik V
While the religious aspect is paramount, I appreciate the article detailing the historical and calendrical context. Many youngsters don't know about Shattila Ekadashi or Mauni Amavasya. Good informative read.

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