Prayagraj:

Defying the biting winter chill, lakhs of devotees gathered at the sacred Sangam in Prayagraj on Sunday to take a holy dip in the Ganga during the ongoing Magh Mela. From early morning hours, the Mela grounds witnessed a continuous flow of pilgrims arriving with deep faith and devotion.

The area was filled with rows of temporary tents, fluttering saffron flags and the sound of devotional chants echoing from loudspeakers, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere. Pilgrims reached the riverbanks by various means—some riding two-wheelers right up to the waterfront, while others arrived on foot carrying their luggage and accompanying family members, including children.

Akshayvat Marg, one of the main routes leading to the Sangam, saw steady movement throughout the day. Ashutosh Varshney, who has set up his camp near the confluence, said the influx of devotees began early in the morning and continued uninterrupted.

As devotees immersed themselves in the icy waters and offered prayers, security personnel and trained divers remained on high alert to ensure safety. Regular announcements were made over the public address system to guide and caution pilgrims.

A significant number of Kalpvasis also performed ritual bathing on Sunday. During the month-long kalpavas, devotees follow a strict spiritual routine, bathing in the Ganga twice a day, consuming only one meal, and dedicating their time to meditation and worship. The tradition, believed to cleanse sins, commenced on Paush Purnima.

Acharya Rajendra Mishra, president of the Triveni Sangam Aarti Seva Samiti, estimated that nearly five lakh devotees are currently observing kalpavas. Pilgrims were seen chanting hymns, carrying minimal belongings, and performing rituals both at the riverbanks and inside their allotted tents.

Meanwhile, the district administration has introduced several new arrangements this year. Additional District Magistrate Dayanand Prasad said that for the first time, a separate township named Prayagwal has been developed for pilgrims and Kalpvasis. Spread across 950 bighas opposite the Nagvasuki Temple, the township aims to improve accommodation and facilities.

The administration has also constructed ten bathing ghats covering 10,000 square feet and built nine pontoon bridges to facilitate smooth movement across the Mela area.

The Magh Mela began on Saturday with the auspicious bath of Paush Purnima, drawing massive crowds. Other major bathing dates during the festival include Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Maghi Purnima and Mahashivratri, when an even larger turnout is 

Faith Over Cold: Lakhs Gather at Sangam for Sacred Dip During Magh Mela

Braving the harsh winter chill, a massive number of devotees assembled at the holy Sangam in Prayagraj on Sunday to take a ritual bath in the Ganga as part of the ongoing Magh Mela. From the early hours of the day, the riverbanks witnessed an unending stream of pilgrims driven by faith and devotion.

The entire Mela area came alive with rows of tents, saffron flags fluttering in the cold breeze, and devotional hymns resonating through loudspeakers. Pilgrims arrived in different ways—some rode two-wheelers right up to the river’s edge, while others walked long distances, carrying their belongings and holding on to their children as they moved towards the Sangam.

One of the busiest routes, Akshayvat Marg, saw continuous movement of devotees throughout the day. Ashutosh Varshney, who has pitched his tent near the Sangam, said the rush of pilgrims began before sunrise and remained steady till evening.

Despite the freezing water, devotees stepped into the Ganga to offer prayers, while security personnel and trained divers closely monitored the area to prevent any untoward incidents. Repeated safety advisories were issued through the public announcement system to guide the pilgrims.

A large number of Kalpvasis also observed their daily ritual baths on Sunday. During the month-long kalpavas, devotees follow a disciplined spiritual routine, which includes bathing in the river twice a day, eating a single meal, and spending most of their time in meditation and worship. The tradition, believed to wash away sins, began on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima.

According to Acharya Rajendra Mishra, president of the Triveni Sangam Aarti Seva Samiti, nearly five lakh devotees are currently observing kalpavas. Many pilgrims were seen chanting mantras while walking towards the river, while others performed rituals inside their tents.

Highlighting new arrangements this year, Additional District Magistrate Dayanand Prasad said a separate township named Prayagwal has been developed for pilgrims and Kalpvasis for the first time. Spread across 950 bighas and located opposite the Nagvasuki Temple, the township aims to provide better facilities.

He added that ten bathing ghats covering an area of 10,000 square feet and nine pontoon bridges have been constructed to ensure smooth movement across the Mela grounds.

The Magh Mela commenced on Saturday with the Paush Purnima bath, which saw lakhs of devotees arriving at the Sangam. Other major bathing days during the festival include Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Maghi Purnima and Mahashivratri, when an even larger turnout is expected.