Prayagraj, January 18, 2026:
The sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati at Prayagraj witnessed an overwhelming surge of faith and devotion on Sunday as more than 3.15 crore devotees took a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, the most significant bathing day of the ongoing Magh Mela 2025–26. By noon alone, officials confirmed that the number of pilgrims bathing at the Sangam and various ghats along the Ganga had crossed 3.15 crore, marking one of the largest single-day turnouts of the festival so far.

Devotees began arriving at the ghats from midnight, undeterred by dense fog and cold winter conditions. From the early hours of the morning, streams of pilgrims could be seen approaching the riverbanks from all directions — on foot, by vehicles, and through designated routes created by the mela administration. The atmosphere at the Sangam was charged with chants, prayers, and the collective belief that a dip on Mauni Amavasya cleanses one of sins and grants spiritual merit.

A senior official from the Magh Mela administration said the inflow of devotees started intensifying shortly after midnight and continued steadily through the morning. “Despite heavy fog and cold conditions, pilgrims showed remarkable discipline and enthusiasm. The arrangements ensured that movement remained smooth and peaceful,” the official said.

In a gesture aimed at enhancing the spiritual experience of devotees, flower petals were showered on pilgrims from a helicopter in the morning hours. District officials said this was done following specific directions from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has been closely monitoring preparations and crowd management during the Magh Mela.

Mauni Amavasya draws the largest crowd

Mauni Amavasya is traditionally considered the most auspicious bathing day during the Magh Mela, and the turnout this year reflected that belief. Officials noted that the numbers recorded on Sunday far exceeded those of previous major bathing days this season.

Earlier, around 1.03 crore devotees had taken a holy dip on Makar Sankranti, while nearly 85 lakh pilgrims had bathed on Ekadashi. With over 3.15 crore people participating in the Mauni Amavasya ritual by midday, authorities described the response as “historic” and a testament to the enduring faith associated with the Sangam.

Extensive preparations for pilgrim safety and comfort

Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agrawal said the administration had taken extensive measures to ensure the safety, convenience, and smooth movement of pilgrims across the sprawling mela area. Reflective tapes were installed on poles and key structures throughout the mela grounds to help devotees navigate safely in low-visibility conditions, particularly during the early morning hours when fog was thick.

“Civil defence volunteers have been deployed at strategic locations to guide pilgrims and prevent confusion,” Agrawal said. “Our priority has been to ensure that people can reach the ghats, take the holy dip, and return without difficulty.”

She added that the Magh Mela has been spread across an area of approximately 800 hectares and divided into seven clearly demarcated sectors to facilitate effective crowd management. Each sector has dedicated facilities, security arrangements, and administrative oversight.

To maintain hygiene and cleanliness amid the massive footfall, the administration has installed more than 25,000 toilets across the mela area. Over 3,500 sanitation workers have been deployed round-the-clock to ensure regular cleaning and waste disposal. Officials said sanitation teams were working in shifts to cope with the unprecedented number of visitors.

Facilities for Kalpvas and tourists

In addition to arrangements for day pilgrims, the administration has also focused on facilities for Kalpvasis — devotees who stay near the Sangam for an extended period during the Magh Mela to observe rituals, meditation, and austerities. Agrawal said a dedicated tent city has been set up for pilgrims and tourists wishing to undertake short-term Kalpvas.

“The tent city has facilities for meditation, yoga, and spiritual discourses,” she said, adding that the aim was to provide a serene and well-managed environment for those seeking a deeper spiritual experience.

To ease movement within the vast mela area, services such as bike taxis and golf carts have been introduced. These services are particularly helpful for elderly pilgrims, women, and those with limited mobility.

Massive security deployment

Security arrangements were equally extensive. Superintendent of Police Neeraj Pandey said more than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across the mela area to ensure law and order, regulate crowds, and respond quickly to emergencies.

“For effective crowd management and traffic regulation, 42 temporary parking zones have been created this year,” Pandey said. These parking facilities can accommodate more than one lakh vehicles, helping prevent congestion on city roads and near the mela grounds.

Police personnel, along with paramilitary forces and volunteers, were stationed at entry points, ghats, parking areas, and major intersections. Surveillance through CCTV cameras and drones was also part of the security strategy, officials said.

Expanded bathing infrastructure

To accommodate the massive number of devotees, the administration has significantly expanded bathing infrastructure. According to SP Pandey, a total of 12,100 feet-long bathing ghats have been constructed for the Magh Mela 2025–26.

“These ghats are equipped with all essential basic facilities, including barricading, lighting, and access points,” he said. The design of the ghats allows for a continuous flow of devotees, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring safety near the water.

A display of faith and administration

As the sun rose over Prayagraj on Mauni Amavasya, the scene at the Sangam reflected a rare convergence of faith, scale, and organisation. For devotees, the holy dip was an act of spiritual fulfilment; for the administration, it was a test of planning and coordination on an enormous scale.

Officials said the smooth conduct of the Mauni Amavasya bathing would serve as a benchmark for the remaining days of the Magh Mela. With more auspicious bathing dates ahead, the focus remains on maintaining safety, cleanliness, and order while allowing millions to perform rituals central to their faith.

By midday, as chants echoed across the riverbanks and devotees continued to arrive in waves, Prayagraj once again reaffirmed its place as one of the world’s largest and most enduring centres of religious congregation.