As the annual religious festival of faith, Magh Mela 2026, has commenced on the banks of the Ganges in Prayagraj on Saturday a massive crowd of devotees gathered at the Sangam on the first bathing day of Paush Purnima. Despite the biting cold, devotees from far and wide are taking a dip in the holy waters and worshipping Mother Ganga with devotion. Millions of people have already taken a dip since the Brahma Muhurta (auspicious time before sunrise). The Mela administration estimates that more than 2.5 million devotees will take a dip of faith in the Sangam on Saturday.
According to Mela authorities, over a million people have taken a dip in the Sangam, confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and invisible Saraswati.
The Purnima tithi began at 3 am, after which the bathing ritual commenced on the banks of the Ganges. A rare auspicious conjunction is occurring in the Magh Mela after 75 years.
From Saturday, devotees will begin their Kalpavas, taking a vow to observe this ritual for next one month. Around 20 to 25 lakh Kalpavasis reside in the Magh Mela for a month. The Kalpavasis observe rigorous penance and spiritual practices for the entire month. Along with this, a large number of devotees also arrive for the major bathing festivals.
The Magh Mela will conclude on February 15 with the bathing of Shivratri.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state and devotees from across the country on the commencement of the Magh Mela and the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima.
He warmly welcomed and greeted the revered saints, religious leaders, all the akhadas, and the Kalpavasis, who have arrived at the holy Sangam in Prayagraj to take a dip of faith.
The chief minister said that the Magh Mela is a living symbol of Sanatan culture, faith, and tradition. He prayed to Mother Ganga, Mother Yamuna, and Mother Saraswati for the fulfillment of the wishes of all the devotees and instructed the authorities to ensure the comfort, safety, and proper arrangements for the devotees during the Mela period.