As ‘Sangam City’ witnesses a steady build-up of pilgrims ahead of Makar Sankranti, arrangements for Magh Mela 2026 have moved into an important phase. Keeping in view the expected rise in devotee arrivals during the peak bathing days, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation has put in place a dedicated Sangam Tent Colony near the riverfront to offer a structured, safe and comfortable stay option for visitors.
This Tourism Department initiative is distinct from privately operated tent cities and has been planned specifically to support the growing inflow of pilgrims during the Magh Mela period.
Located at Arail Sector-7, before Triveni Pushp, the Sangam Tent Colony has been developed with a focus on simplicity, order and convenience. A total of 50 cottages have been set up, catering to families, senior citizens and pilgrims who prefer a regulated accommodation close to the mela area. The layout and facilities have been designed to allow devotees to stay near the Sangam without facing the uncertainties that often accompany peak-season travel.
The accommodation is available in three categories. Premium cottages are priced at Rs 15,000 per night, Luxury cottages at Rs 11,500 and Deluxe cottages at Rs 7,500. The facility includes 12 Premium, 8 Luxury and 30 Deluxe cottages. The tariff includes arrangements for satvik meals, allowing pilgrims to follow their daily rituals without additional planning. Online booking has been opened through UPSTDC to help visitors plan their stay in advance and avoid last-minute inconvenience.
The tent colony also carries a quiet spiritual atmosphere. Yagyashalas have been set up where bhajan and kirtan are taking place regularly, while a Kalagram within the campus showcases local art and craft traditions, adding a cultural layer to the stay experience.
The initiative has also created space for local livelihoods during the mela. Under the ‘One District One Product’ programme, stalls featuring Prayagraj’s traditional moonj craft have been set up inside the tent colony.
Artisans are displaying and selling handcrafted baskets, pen stands, food containers, planters, and decorative items, drawing interest from devotees and tourists visiting the mela area.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the Sangam Tent Colony reflects CM Yogi Adityanath’s approach of ensuring that large religious gatherings are supported by planned facilities that serve both pilgrims and local communities. He said Magh Mela is not only a festival of faith but also an opportunity to strengthen tourism systems and provide income avenues for local artisans and service providers. The UPSTDC-managed tent colony, he added, is aimed at meeting the pressure of rising footfall around Makar Sankranti while offering pilgrims an organised and dependable stay option close to the Sangam.
With the Magh Mela entering its busiest phase, the Sangam Tent Colony stands as a practical support system for devotees arriving in Prayagraj, helping them focus on their spiritual journey while the city prepares to host one of its largest annual gatherings.