The sacred Magh Mela has begun in Prayagraj on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima.
Lakhs of devotees reached the Triveni Sangam early Saturday morning for the holy dip.
The fair has started with several new facilities inspired by Mahakumbh 2025 planning.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared images of the Mela and extended greetings.
The administration expects massive footfall from the very first bathing day.
Officials estimate that nearly 30 lakh devotees may bathe on Paush Purnima alone.
By 9 am, more than seven lakh pilgrims had already taken the sacred dip.
Magh Mela 2026 Planned on Mahakumbh Scale
The Magh Mela at Prayagraj will continue for nearly one and a half months.
This year’s arrangements reflect large scale preparations similar to Mahakumbh events.
Authorities expect over 15 crore devotees during the entire Mela duration.
Keeping this in mind, the fair area has been significantly expanded.
The number of pontoon bridges over the Ganga has also been increased.
These bridges aim to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims across the riverbanks.
Officials said crowd management has been a top priority from day one.
Multiple entry and exit routes have been developed around the Sangam area.
Heavy Rush Expected on First Snan Parv
According to Mela officials, the first bathing festival may see historic numbers.
Between 25 to 30 lakh devotees are expected on Saturday alone.
Pilgrims have arrived from several states since Friday night.
Special deployment of police and security forces has been ensured.
Medical teams and emergency response units are stationed across the Mela zone.
Continuous monitoring is being done through control rooms and watch towers.
First-Time Facilities Introduced for Devotees
Several new initiatives have been introduced at the Magh Mela this year.
For the first time, an official Magh Mela logo has been launched.
The administration has also partnered with private companies for bike services.
This bike facility allows pilgrims to reach closer to the Sangam area.
It is expected to reduce walking distance for elderly devotees.
Another major innovation is the installation of QR codes on electric poles.
Through these QR codes, pilgrims can register complaints instantly.
Officials claim that help will reach within minutes after scanning.
Drone Incident Raises Security Concerns
Despite a ban on drones, some people violated restrictions inside the Mela area.
On Saturday morning, a drone hit the chair of a security personnel.
The incident occurred at the Sangam watch tower during duty hours.
A loud noise startled security staff, and the chair broke on impact.
Fortunately, the personnel was seated at the center of the tower.
Officials said a serious accident could have occurred otherwise.
After the incident, police increased patrolling across the fair zone.
Drone operators were identified and stopped by security teams.
Pickpockets Active, Several Arrested
Along with pilgrims, miscreants also tried to exploit the crowd.
Pickpockets were found active near the Triveni riverbanks.
Several devotees reported stolen wallets, watches, and clothes.
The Civil Defence team deployed at Sangam acted swiftly.
Around a dozen accused were caught during morning hours.
Civil Defence Chief Warden Anil Kumar confirmed the arrests.
He said all accused were handed over to the police.
Stolen belongings were also recovered from their possession.
Devotees Arrive From Mumbai and Other States
Pilgrims from across India have started arriving in Prayagraj.
A group of 64 devotees reached from Mumbai early morning.
They belong to the Maharashtra Sain Nath Tirth region.
Group member Sanjay Deshmukh shared their journey experience.
He said Mahakumbh publicity inspired their desire for Sangam Snan.
Continuous media coverage had increased spiritual enthusiasm.
The group decided to arrive on the first bathing day.
They feared heavy crowds on later dates.
They also plan visits to Hanuman Mandir and Akshayvat.
Paying respects at the Shaheed Sthal is also on their itinerary.
All members wore white caps to identify each other in crowds.
CM Yogi Shares Message on Social Media
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath posted images on social platform X.
He began his message with “Shri Gangadevayai Namah.”
He extended greetings on the commencement of Magh Mela.
The Chief Minister welcomed saints, seers, Akharas, and Kalpvasis.
He prayed for blessings from Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
He wished fulfillment of devotees’ spiritual aspirations.
The message reflected the spiritual significance of the occasion.
It also highlighted Prayagraj’s role as Teerthraj of India.
Kalpvas Begins With Paush Purnima Rituals
With Paush Purnima, Kalpvas formally began on Sangam sands.
Lakhs of Kalpvasis took vows during Brahma Muhurta.
They performed ritual bathing and charity activities.
Kalpvasis worshipped Ganga under guidance of Teerth Purohits.
They offered prayers to Lord Veni Madhav as per tradition.
Tulsi saplings were watered outside camps.
Barley seeds were also offered water symbolically.
Devotees prayed for prosperity and well-being.
Kalpvasi camps echoed with chants, bhajans, and meditation.
The atmosphere reflected deep devotion and spiritual discipline.
Administration Remains on High Alert
Officials said arrangements will be reviewed daily.
Crowd patterns will guide further administrative decisions.
Traffic diversions remain in effect across Prayagraj city.
Pilgrims have been advised to follow official guidelines.
Authorities urged cooperation for a safe Mela experience.
The Magh Mela has once again transformed Prayagraj.
Faith, tradition, and administration stand united at the Sangam.
