Massive Devotee Turnout at Magh Mela Despite Biting Cold, Millions Take Holy Dip at Sangam

Prayagraj: On the occasion of Makar Sankranti and Magh Mela 2026, an overwhelming wave of faith has flooded the Sangam ghats of Prayagraj. Despite severe cold conditions, lakhs of devotees from distant states are arriving to take the sacred dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The harsh winter has failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the pilgrims.

From the early morning hours, chants of “Har Har Gange” and “Jai Shri Ram” have echoed across the Sangam, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere. By 10 a.m., nearly 3.6 million devotees had already taken the holy dip. In view of the massive crowd, the administration remains on high alert. Tight security arrangements have been put in place at the ghats, along with facilities such as changing rooms, lighting, drinking water, and medical services. Authorities are making every effort to ensure that devotees face no inconvenience during bathing or darshan.

On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Atal Peethadhishwar Rajguru Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vishwatmanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj delivered a sacred message to the devotees. He emphasized the spiritual significance of the month of Magh, stating that fasting, worship, and rituals performed during this month yield auspicious results throughout the year.

He also informed that acharyas from Atal Arena in Jammu and Kashmir have arrived in Prayagraj on this holy occasion. Extending greetings to the people of the nation, he urged everyone to experience the sanctity of the Magh month. Meanwhile, Kashi Sumeru Peethadhishwar Jagadguru Shankaracharya Narendraanand Saraswati Maharaj also took a holy dip at the Sangam on Makar Sankranti. He described the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn as a profoundly significant spiritual moment, one that Bhishma Pitamah waited thousands of years to witness. Referring to King Bhagirath’s 60,000 ancestors, he said the day is deeply connected with faith and salvation.

Shankaracharya Narendraanand Saraswati Maharaj further stated that the Sangam is the supreme center of faith and devotion, and devotees receive fruits according to the sentiments with which they arrive. He described the present time as one of the revival of Sanatan Dharma, sending a clear message to the world that Sanatan culture remains alive and powerful even today. He added that lasting peace in the world is possible only through Sanatan values, ideals, and beliefs, which alone can eliminate hatred, violence, and the atmosphere of war.

During the event, six-year-old child saint Shri Bahubali Maharaj remarked that it must always be remembered that if religion is protected, the nation is automatically protected. On the administrative front, continuous monitoring of arrangements is underway. During the Magh Mela, District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma reviewed security, traffic, and other preparations for Makar Sankranti and the upcoming Mauni Amavasya.

He stated that the Makar Sankranti bathing rituals are proceeding smoothly and that the number of devotees is expected to rise further in the coming hours. All arrangements at the ghats are functioning as per plan, with adequate changing room facilities provided for pilgrims.

Prayagraj Commissioner Saumya Agrawal also confirmed that all arrangements in the fair area are running efficiently. Adequate lighting, security, and bathing facilities have been ensured so that devotees do not face any inconvenience.

Devotees have widely praised the administrative arrangements. One pilgrim said that despite the intense cold, there was no difficulty in bathing. Devotees from Kanpur appreciated the improved parking and traffic management, while pilgrims from Jharkhand thanked the government for ticketing, accommodation, and other facilities.

North Central Railway has also made special arrangements for devotees traveling by train. For crowd management, a one-way system, temporary ticket counters, bonfires, medical facilities, and security measures have been implemented. Devotees stated that the railway arrangements are comparable to those of the Kumbh Mela, making travel safe and highly convenient.