Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviews preparations for Kartik Purnima Ganga Snan Mela at Garhmukteshwar and Tigri Mela
Garhmukteshwar Mela to be organised as the ‘Mini Kumbh of Western UP’, with robust security and public convenience arrangements: Chief Minister
25 to 30 lakh devotees expected; ensure deployment of NDRF and SDRF teams, CCTV surveillance and rescue boats: Chief Minister
Complete ban on single-use plastic; ensure cleanliness and waste collection arrangements along the Ganga ghats: Chief Minister
Mela to emerge as a confluence of faith and culture, with folk art adding vibrancy to the celebrations: Chief Minister
Garhmukteshwar to resonate with Raslila, Ramlila and folk music; take strict action against elements spreading negativity on social media: CM Yogi
No activity contrary to religious sentiments should be permitted; launch a campaign against intoxicants: Chief Minister
Lucknow, November 2026 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the Kartik Purnima Ganga Snan Mela at Garhmukteshwar and the Tigri Mela. Administrative and police officials from Meerut, Bareilly, Amroha, Hapur, Moradabad and other divisions and districts also participated in the review meeting through video conferencing. The Chief Minister directed officials to complete all preparations within the stipulated timeline. He said, "The mela, organised as the ‘Mini Kumbh of Western UP’, should become a symbol of faith, discipline and cleanliness. Police and administrative officials must ensure robust arrangements for the safety of devotees, smooth traffic management and cleanliness."
The Chief Minister said, "25 to 30 lakh devotees are expected to attend the mela, which will be held from November 17 to 26. The main snan will take place on November 24. As the event will bring together faith, tradition and efficient management, no negligence will be tolerated. All preparations must be completed on time, with adequate arrangements for security, cleanliness, drinking water and other essential facilities. The use of single-use plastic must be completely prohibited."
The Chief Minister directed officials of the departments of Home, Public Works, Transport, Irrigation, Urban Development, Energy, Panchayati Raj and Health, among others, to conduct inspections before the commencement of the mela.
He instructed officials to ensure that the sale of liquor and intoxicating substances is strictly prohibited within the mela's command area. No activity contrary to religious sentiments should be permitted.
The Chief Minister added, "Adequate facilities must be ensured at the ghats for devotees taking a holy dip. The river should be channelised wherever necessary, and sufficient water must be available at every ghat. Adequate sanitation workers should also be deployed."
He directed officials to establish temporary hospitals with facilities at the CHC level. Adequate manpower, ambulances and all essential medical facilities must be made available. Regular electricity supply and safe drinking water must also be ensured.
From the security perspective, adequate police personnel, women police personnel and teams of the NDRF and SDRF must be deployed on both sides of the river. Before the mela begins, senior police officers at the ADG, IG, DIG and SSP levels should brief and counsel the police force. Police personnel must refrain from making social media reels while on duty. Proper arrangements must be made for public address systems, watchtowers, fire tenders, CCTV surveillance, traffic and parking management, and route diversions.
The Chief Minister directed officials to encourage sports and cultural activities during the mela. Local artists should be given a platform at cultural programmes. Only dignified performances should be held on stage, and no programme contrary to religious sentiments should be permitted. Local public representatives should be invited, and winners across all age groups should be felicitated.
The Chief Minister instructed the Tourism and Culture Department to organise Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, Raslila, Ramlila and spiritual programmes centred on Lord Shiva during the mela. Laser shows and drone shows should also be organised.
The Chief Minister directed officials to launch a special drive and take action against disruptive elements spreading misinformation on social media. He also called for a campaign against intoxicants throughout the mela. Competitions such as slogan writing, speech, debate and essay writing should be organised for children. Religious and patriotic songs should be played through the public address system, while positive initiatives and good work should be highlighted among the public. Government schemes and achievements should also be widely publicised.
From the security perspective, the Chief Minister directed that fire tenders remain on alert and the control room function round the clock. Vigilance must be maintained against undesirable elements and wildlife in the mela area. The Transport Department should ensure additional buses to facilitate the movement of devotees.
