Massive Turnout at Prayagraj Magh Mela as Lakhs Take Holy Dip on Makar Sankranti

Prayagraj, Jan 2026 : The Magh Mela in Prayagraj witnessed an overwhelming surge of devotees on Wednesday as pilgrims gathered in large numbers at the sacred Sangam to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, which coincided this year with Shattila Ekadashi. By 8 a.m., nearly 15 lakh devotees had already immersed themselves in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, marking one of the busiest bathing days of the ongoing mela.

Pilgrims of all age groups, from young children to senior citizens, braved the biting winter chill to perform the ritual bath, underscoring the deep spiritual significance of the occasion. Authorities estimate that more than two crore devotees are expected to take a dip at the Sangam during the Magh Mela this year, making it one of the largest religious congregations in the country.

Devotees have arrived not only from Prayagraj but also from other prominent religious centres such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, and other parts of Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states. For many, the ritual bath during Makar Sankranti is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual merit, turning the event into both a religious observance and a celebration of India’s ancient cultural traditions.

To manage the massive influx of pilgrims, the administration has implemented extensive security and crowd-control measures. Entry of four-wheelers into the mela area was banned from January 13, ensuring smoother pedestrian movement. Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar said that a multi-layered security arrangement is in place, including mounted police, foot patrol teams, water police, Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, and traffic police.

In addition, barricading, diversion routes, and holding areas have been created to regulate the flow of devotees. The administration has also deployed AI-enabled surveillance cameras to monitor crowd density in real time, allowing authorities to respond swiftly to any potential congestion or emergency situations.

However, the religious festivities were briefly overshadowed by fire incidents reported for the second time in 24 hours. On Wednesday evening, a fire broke out in the Brahmasthan area of Sector 4, damaging tents at the site. Magh Mela Chief Executive Officer Animesh Singh confirmed that two tents were completely gutted while one was partially damaged, adding that no casualties were reported. Initial findings suggest that a burning lamp used during worship may have triggered the fire.

A day earlier, a major blaze at Sector 5’s Narayan Shukla Dham camp destroyed around 15 tents and 20 shops, reportedly caused by a short circuit. Fire tenders worked for several hours to bring the situation under control.

The Magh Mela, which commenced on January 3, will continue until Maha Shivaratri on February 15. Despite minor setbacks, the event continues to draw record crowds, reflecting the unwavering faith and devotion of millions who gather annually at the holy Sangam.