Magh Mela has begun in Prayagraj: Know why it’s no less than a Kumbh celebration

The 44-day Magh Mela 2026 has officially begun at the sacred Sangam in Prayagraj, which will conclude on February 15, 2026. This event will be a 44-day-long spiritual gathering, and offer devotees a calmer alternative to the massive Kumbh crowds.

The annual religious fair commenced on January 3 with the auspicious bath on Paush Purnima, as pilgrims gathered at dawn to take the holy dip at the confluence of rivers.As per the Magh Mela Authority, around 21.5 lakh devotees had taken the sacred bath at the Sangam by 4 PM on the opening day itself. This huge number reflected strong participation from people across the country, while still maintaining a more manageable atmosphere compared to the Maha Kumbh’s time last year.

A sacred gathering at the SangamThis fair is organised every year during the holy month of Magh (January–February), and is held at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati. It’s one of the best times to visit the sacred site, sans the overwhelming crowd. Pilgrims from across the country visit this site to take a holy dip or take part in daan, puja, and other spiritual rituals. Though deeply rooted in tradition, Magh Mela is celebrated for its peaceful and reflective atmosphere.

Massive arrangements for pilgrimsTo guarantee the security and comfort of guests, the government has implemented complex measures. To facilitate mobility and crowd control, the 800-hectare Mela area has been split into seven areas this year.In order to facilitate access for pilgrims arriving from various sections of the state and beyond, parking facilities have been set up at 42 designated spots.Medical preparedness has also been strengthened.Two hospitals with 20 beds each have been established within the Mela area to handle medical emergencies.

From a security perspective, the area is being monitored through 17 police stations, 42 police outposts, and a dedicated police control room. Around 400 CCTV cameras have been installed to maintain constant surveillance. Prayagraj District Magistrate Manish Verma stated that officials are keeping a continuous vigil to ensure smooth conduct of the Mela.Read more: 6 spots in India that are currently freezing, with temperatures dipping close to –20°CTransport and crowd movementTo facilitate easy travel for pilgrims, a total of 3,800 buses from the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation have been arranged.

This arrangement has been put into place to ensure easy movement for the pilgrims to and from the Mela area, especially during peak bathing dates when the crowd is substantial.There will be a total of six prominent bathing events in the Magh Mela 2026. The main dates are Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 18), Basant Panchami (January 23), Maghi Purnima (February 1), and Mahashivratri (February 15), concluding on the Mahashivratri Snan.Read more: Which country has the world’s largest oil reserves, and what happens next?Magh Mela vs. Kumbh MelaAlthough Prayagraj is more than often recognized with its connection to the Kumbh Mela, Magh Mela has its own religious significance. While Kumbh Mela is held after a span of 12 years, the turnout of pilgrims is also huge, and at times, turns unmanageable. Magh Mela, on the other hand, is held every year and provides a more personal and religious experience. During this time, all the religious activities like the holy snan, daan, aarti, akharas, and meetings with saints, also take place, which are more or less similar but less overwhelming.According to Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jaiveer Singh, Magh Mela is a religious fair, but in a way, it’s even more than that, a way of life, where faith, discipline, and tradition get practiced on a daily basis.For all those who are keen to to experience the religious essence of Prayagraj, but at the same time want to avoid the pilgrim rush that comes with a Kumbh Mela event, this is the ideal time to visit, when Magh Mela 2026 is being held, to get the real vibe of this place.