Prayagraj, January 14, 2026 : More than nine lakh devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga and at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Wednesday morning, marking the beginning of Makar Sankranti festivities during the ongoing Magh Mela, officials said.
While Makar Sankranti is being observed across many parts of the country on Wednesday, the festival will be celebrated in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, which also marks the second major bathing festival of the Magh Mela.
Superintendent of Police (Magh Mela) Neeraj Pandey said pilgrims began arriving at the ghats in large numbers during the early hours.
“By 6 am, over nine lakh devotees had taken a dip in the Ganga and at the Sangam. The number is expected to rise to between one crore and 1.5 crore by Wednesday evening on Makar Sankranti,” he said.
To manage the massive influx of pilgrims, authorities have deployed over 10,000 police personnel across the mela area to ensure security, crowd management and smooth traffic movement.
Officials said that during the Paush Purnima bathing festival, over 31 lakh devotees took a holy dip, while 28.95 lakh pilgrims had participated in the Paush Purnima snan during Magh Mela 2024.
Magh Mela Officer Rishiraj said elaborate arrangements have been put in place to manage crowds and logistics.
“A total of 42 temporary parking facilities have been created this year with the capacity to accommodate over one lakh vehicles, ensuring smooth traffic flow,” he said.
He added that 12,100 feet-long bathing ghats have been constructed for Magh Mela 2025–26, equipped with essential amenities such as changing rooms and toilets.
To maintain adequate water levels in the river during the fair, 8,000 cusecs of water are being released daily into the Ganga from the Kanpur barrage, officials said.
The Magh Mela is a 44-day-long spiritual congregation, held annually during the Hindu holy month of Magh (January–February) at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Magh Mela Prayagraj 2026 commenced on January 3 and will conclude on February 15. The festival is marked by age-old traditions such as Kalpavas and Panchkosi Parikrama.
Key Snan Dates:
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January 15 – Makar Sankranti
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January 18 – Mauni Amavasya
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January 23 – Vasant Panchami
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February 1 – Maghi Purnima
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February 15 – Maha Shivratri
