Magh Mela Begins at Prayagraj with Paush Purnima Holy Dip, Over 3.1 Million Devotees Take the Sacred Bath
BK Singh
Spread over the sprawling sandy bed of theGanga ans and Yamuna rivers, the 44-day Magh Mela formally commenced on Saturday at the sacred Prayagraj, with the auspicious Paush Purnima bathing ritual marking the beginning of the month-long and spiritually demanding Kalpavas.
From the early hours before sunrise, lakhs of devotees converged on the banks of the holy Triveni Sangam to take a purifying dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati.
Despite a sharp cold wave and an overcast sky that kept the sun hidden throughout the day, the flow of pilgrims never slowed. Instead of easing, the chill intensified as the day progressed, yet faith proved stronger than the biting winter.
Wrapped in woollens and chanting prayers, devotees continued to arrive in growing numbers, determined to perform the sacred ritual.
Record-Breaking Footfall on the First Bathing Day
According to official data released by the Magh Mela administration, nearly 3.1 million devotees had taken the holy dip at the Sangam by 8 pm, making it one of the largest Paush Purnima turnouts in recent years.
The bathing began well before sunrise and continued uninterrupted till late evening. Authorities stated that by 8 am, more than 6.5 lakh pilgrims had already bathed.
The figure rose steadily — 9 lakh by 10 am, 15.3 lakh by noon, 19 lakh by 2 pm, 21.5 lakh by 4 pm, 23 lakh by 6 pm, finally touching 31 lakh by nightfall. Officials termed it a record-setting Paush Purnima snan for the Magh Mela.
Kalpavas Begins Amid Devotion and Discipline
With the first holy dip, the Kalpavas period also began.
Thousands of Kalpvasis have settled into makeshift camps across the mela area, where they will live a life of strict discipline, austerity and spiritual observance until Maghi Purnima on February 1.
The month-long ritual includes daily bathing, prayer, fasting, charity and listening to religious discourses.
Tight Security and Administrative Vigil
To manage the massive crowds, senior officials of the district administration and police remained deployed on the ground since late at night.
Crowd regulation, traffic diversions, medical aid camps, sanitation drives and continuous monitoring ensured that the bathing ritual concluded peacefully and smoothly.
Additional arrangements, such as temporary pontoon bridges, river patrols by the water police, and round-the-clock control rooms, were activated to prevent any untoward incident.
Health teams were stationed at key points to assist elderly pilgrims affected by the cold.
CM Yogi Extends Greetings
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended heartfelt greetings to devotees and citizens on the commencement of the Magh Mela and the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima.
Welcoming saints, seers, religious leaders, akharas and Kalpvasis who have arrived at the holy Sangam, the Chief Minister prayed for the blessings of Maa Ganga, Maa Yamuna and Maa Saraswati, expressing hope that the sacred dip would fulfil the wishes and spiritual aspirations of all devotees.
As winter tightens its grip, faith continues to warm the banks of the Sangam, marking yet another grand chapter in Prayagraj’s timeless tradition of spiritual gatherings.
#MaghMela #PaushPurnima #Prayagraj #TriveniSangam #Kalpavas #SpiritualIndia #HolyDip #GangaYamunaSaraswati #YogiAdityanath
