UP: Massive turnout at Triveni Sangam for Shahi Snan of Magh Mela 2026; administration ensures smooth conduct
Prayagraj, January 5
A massive influx of devotees was witnessed at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj as pilgrims from across the country gathered for the 'Shahi Snan' of Magh Mela 2026 to take a holy dip in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agarwal said the first auspicious bathing ritual of Paush Purnima was conducted smoothly and praised the arrangements made by the administration on Sunday.
"Yesterday was the first auspicious bath of Paush Purnima, and the bathing ritual was completed successfully. Approximately 31 lakh devotees took a dip in the holy waters, and there were no problems anywhere at the fair. All the arrangements were in order... Today, there is a huge crowd of devotees at the fair, and the fair has officially begun. All the arrangements are running smoothly," the Divisional Commissioner told ANI.
Devotees expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the administration. Speaking to ANI, Shailesh Kumar Pathak, who arrived from Pratapgarh, said, "We came here for the 'Shahi Snan', and the arrangements are very good."
Another devotee from Banaras praised the facilities, saying that the arrangements were quite well-organised and allowed for a smooth holy dip.
By 3 PM on Saturday, approximately 24 lakh people had taken a holy dip in the Ganges in Prayagraj on the occasion of Paush Purnima, marking 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, 5.5 lakh devotees participated and in Mathura, 2.5 lakh devotees took the ritual 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
Reader Comments
My parents are there right now! They called and said the arrangements are excellent - clean facilities, good security, and the crowd management is very orderly. A big thank you to all the volunteers and officials working tirelessly. Feeling proud of our traditions.
While the management seems good, I hope the environmental impact is being monitored. Such large gatherings at the Sangam put immense pressure on the river's ecosystem. The administration must ensure waste management is top-notch and the holy waters remain clean for future generations.
Visiting from the US and witnessed this last year. The scale is absolutely mind-boggling and the devotion is palpable. It's a logistical marvel to organize something of this size. Kudos to the UP government.
The spiritual energy of the Triveni Sangam during Shahi Snan is unmatched. Reading about the numbers from Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Varanasi... it's incredible. This is the real Bharat, rooted in its ancient culture. May everyone's prayers be answered.
Good to hear the arrangements are working well. Hope the focus on smooth conduct continues for the entire 45-day period, especially on Mauni Amavasya and Magh Purnima when the crowds will be even larger. Proper planning is key.
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