Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Magh Mela Begins with Holy Dips
The Magh Mela started on Saturday with lots of people coming to take a holy dip in the Ganga river.
It's very cold, but the devotees are brave and go into the icy water.
Some people are staying for a whole month to pray and eat only one meal a day.
The government has made special places for them to stay and bathe safely.
There are also many police and special cameras to keep everyone safe.
The event will continue until February 15, and there are many important days when people come to take dips.
Magh Mela began on Saturday with over 25 lakh devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganga.
Approximately 5 lakh devotees are observing Kalpavas, a 45-day spiritual practice.
A separate township named Prayagwal has been established for pilgrims and Kalpavasis.
Ten bathing ghats and nine pontoon bridges have been constructed for the event.
Heavy security deployment with 10,000 police personnel and safety announcements.
- Who
- Devotees, Kalpavasis, Mela Authority, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, security personnel
- What
- Magh Mela begins with holy dips in the Ganga
- When
- Saturday (Paush Purnima) to February 15
- Where
- Prayagraj, spread across 800 hectares
- Why
- Religious event for holy dip and spiritual practices
- Event
- Magh Mela
- Date
- Saturday (Paush Purnima) to February 15
- Devotee Turnout
- Over 25 lakh (estimated up to 30 lakh)
- Kalpavasis
- Approximately 5 lakh observing Kalpavas
- Area
- 800 hectares, divided into seven sectors
- Special Features
- Changing rooms for women, restricted vehicle entry, separate township for pilgrims
- Bathing Ghats
- Ten constructed over 10,000 square feet
- Pontoon Bridges
- Nine built for the event
Sources
First Magh Mela After Prayagraj Mahakumbh Begins With Massive Devotee Turnout As Over 25 Lakh Take Holy Dip On Paush Purnima
Day 1 of Magh Mela sees over 31 lakh people taking dip at Sangam
Magh Mela: Pilgrims congregate at Sangam for holy dip in icy Ganga waters
