Prayagraj, Jan 3 (NationPress) The largest annual spiritual and cultural event in India, Magh Mela - 2026, kicked off on Saturday in Prayagraj, coinciding with the significant Paush Purnima bathing festival. From the break of dawn, a remarkable display of faith was evident at the Sangam and other ghats as millions of devotees came together to partake in the sacred dip.

Despite the chilling temperatures, the enthusiasm of the pilgrims remained unshaken. By 7:00 PM, over 3.1 million devotees had completed the ritual bath at the Sangam.

On this auspicious day of Paush Purnima, devotees continued to immerse themselves throughout the day at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the unseen Saraswati rivers, as well as at various other ghats.

Pilgrims from all corners of the country shared that the experience was profoundly spiritual. Nisha, who journeyed from Rewari in Haryana, expressed that bathing in the holy waters of the Triveni has brought her spiritual fulfillment. She also commended the government's arrangements for facilitating smooth and safe bathing.

Likewise, Kalpana Tomar from Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, shared that her long-held desire of bathing at the Triveni, which remained unfulfilled during the Mahakumbh, was finally fulfilled this year. She appreciated the cleanliness and effective management of the event.

Saints and seers from various Sanatan traditions also joined in the first holy dip of the Magh Mela, enriching the spiritual essence of the day.

With the commencement of the Magh Mela, the entire holy area buzzed with an atmosphere of celebration and devotion. Officials noted that more than 2.2 million devotees had completed their sacred baths by 5:00 PM, with the flow of pilgrims ongoing.

Extensive security measures were implemented as per the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Over 1,500 CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the city and mela area, monitored continuously from a central command center, according to officials. Modern equipment, public address systems, watchtowers, and active water police patrols ensured effective crowd management and safety at the ghats.

The traditional Kalpavas, observed annually during the month of Magh along the banks of the holy Ganga, also commenced with the inaugural bathing festival. More than 400,000 Kalpavasi devotees took the holy dip and formally made vows of austerity, prayer, and discipline, which will persist until Maghi Purnima.

The newly developed Prayagwal Nagar, established for Kalpavasis for the first time, was vibrant with spiritual activities, transforming the mela area into a lively tent city.

With a massive turnout, comprehensive arrangements, and profound spiritual fervor, the magnificent start of Magh Mela–2026 has once again reaffirmed Prayagraj's status as a timeless hub of faith and culture.