Prayagraj, Jan 3: Lakhs of devotees from across the country braved freezing temperatures to take a holy dip in the Sangam on Paush Purnima, marking the commencement of the Magh Mela here on Saturday. Authorities said close to nine lakh devotees had bathed in the sacred waters till 10 am, with numbers expected to rise sharply as the day progresses.
The auspicious occasion also marked the beginning of the month-long Kalpavas, a spiritual observance believed to absolve sins. During Kalpavas, devotees take a ritual bath in the Ganga twice daily, consume only one meal a day and devote their time to meditation and worship.
Acharya Rajendra Mishra, president of the Triveni Sangam Aarti Seva Samiti, said around five lakh devotees are expected to begin their Kalpavas on Saturday. He noted that while the biting cold reduced early-morning footfall, the Paush Purnima bathing ritual would continue throughout the day.
Rajendra Paliwal, president of the Prayag Dham Sangh, said nearly 20 lakh devotees, including Kalpavasis, are likely to take the holy dip by evening. He added that the auspicious bathing time will remain till 4 pm, after which Kalpavasis will take vows from their priests and stay at the fairgrounds.
Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Soumya Agarwal said an estimated 20 to 30 lakh devotees are expected to bathe in the Ganga and the Sangam on Paush Purnima. To facilitate the influx, ten bathing ghats spanning 10,000 square feet have been constructed and nine pontoon bridges put in place.
ADM (Magh Mela) Dayanand Prasad said a separate township for pilgrims has been established for the first time. Spread over 950 bighas and named Prayagwal, the township is located opposite the Nagvasuki Temple.
Pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the arrangements. Pooja Jha, who arrived from Kolkata with her family, said the relatively smaller crowd on the first day allowed devotees to bathe comfortably. Shivani Mishra from Rewa in Madhya Pradesh said the Magh Mela offered a more peaceful bathing experience compared to the Maha Kumbh.
Besides Paush Purnima, major bathing dates during Magh Mela 2026 include Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 18), Basant Panchami (January 23), Maghi Purnima (February 1) and Mahashivratri (February 15). (Agencies)
