Magh Mela 2026 Breaks All Records at the Sangam, Surpasses Past Kumbh Footfalls as Faith and Tourism Soar
The ongoing Magh Mela on the sandy banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj is presenting an entirely transformed picture this year.
The changing character of the fair and the growing enthusiasm of ordinary devotees have led to an unprecedented surge in attendance.
Officials say the number of pilgrims visiting Triveni Sangam has already crossed the figures recorded during the 2013 Kumbh.
During Kumbh 2013, around 13 crore devotees had arrived in Prayagraj from the first major bathing day till Mahashivratri.
In contrast, Magh Mela 2026 has already witnessed the arrival of more than 20 crore pilgrims — and Mahashivratri is still 16 days away.
With another major bathing festival scheduled on February 1 (Maghi Purnima), the total turnout may even surpass the 24 crore mark recorded during Kumbh 2019 or come extremely close to it.
A key reason behind this massive shift is the rising participation of common devotees, especially the youth.
Since the grand Mahakumbh, young people are not only visiting for ritual baths but are also spending time with family members observing Kalpvas.
Officials believe the numbers may continue to rise in the coming days.
Massive Publicity Boosted the Fair’s Popularity
This year saw unprecedented promotion of the Magh Mela. For the first time, a dedicated logo was launched, and facilities available at the fair were widely publicised. Continuous media attention and awareness campaigns played a major role in sustaining the steady inflow of pilgrims. Even on Friday, huge crowds were seen moving toward the Sangam.
Prayagraj Airport Sets Historic Passenger Record
Mahakumbh 2025 not only strengthened Prayagraj’s religious and cultural identity but also elevated the city’s status in air travel.
For the first time in its history, Prayagraj Airport recorded over 10.50 lakh passengers in a single calendar year (January to December 2025).
A total of 10,56,311 travellers used the airport in 2025 — the highest figure since its construction.
Previously, the maximum number of passengers was recorded in 2023, at 6,27,966. In just two years, passenger traffic witnessed a dramatic rise, largely attributed to Mahakumbh 2025.
Two Crore Devotees Even on Achla Saptami
Apart from the main bathing festivals, officials also claimed that nearly two crore pilgrims took the holy dip on Achla Saptami — a day that traditionally never witnessed such massive crowds in earlier years.
Major Bathing Days and Attendance at Magh Mela 2026
- January 3 – Paush Purnima: 31 lakh devotees
- January 15 – Makar Sankranti: 1.03 crore devotees
- January 18 – Mauni Amavasya: 4.52 crore devotees
- January 23 – Basant Panchami: 3.56 crore devotees
Officials Confirm the Historic Turnout
Magh Mela Officer Rishiraj stated:
“The Magh Mela has completely transformed. More than 20 crore devotees have already arrived this year.
We have surpassed the 2013 Kumbh figures.
This is clearly the impact of Mahakumbh 2025’s massive publicity and the growing faith of people in Sanatan Dharma.
Attendance this year is higher than all previous Magh Melas and even the 2013 Kumbh.”
Mahakumbh 2025 Triggered the Surge
There is little doubt that Mahakumbh 2025 was historic. Once the flow of pilgrims began, it continued uninterrupted until Mahashivratri, with authorities claiming a staggering 66.30 crore devotees visited during the event.
The huge turnout at the first Magh Mela after Mahakumbh is widely seen as a direct continuation of that spiritual momentum.
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