New Delhi, January 3 (NationPress) - The much-anticipated Magh Mela 2026 commenced today at the revered Sangam in Prayagraj, where thousands of devotees are participating in the first holy dip to mark Paush Purnima.

This 44-day spiritual gathering, located at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, will run until February 15, 2026, culminating on Maha Shivratri.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sent his warm wishes, stating, "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all devotees and state residents on the auspicious start of the Magh Mela and Paush Purnima." He expressed a warm welcome to the revered saints, religious leaders, akhadas, and kalpwasis arriving in Tirtharaj Prayag for a dip of faith in the sacred Sangam.

The Magh Mela is considered one of the most significant spiritual gatherings in the Sanatan tradition, drawing saints, seers, Kalpavasis, and pilgrims from all over the nation. A notable aspect of the mela is the Kalpavas, where devotees live on the riverbanks for a month, adhering to strict religious routines that include daily bathing, prayer, meditation, and acts of charity. The administration anticipates over 25 lakh Kalpavasis will participate this year.

From the early hours of Saturday, scenes from the Sangam depicted a significant turnout as devotees engaged in the ritual bathing amid a surge of religious enthusiasm. To ensure the smooth execution of the mela, the district administration has established extensive arrangements, including temporary accommodations, pontoon bridges, sanitation facilities, medical camps, and reliable water and power supply throughout the mela area.

Security measures have been significantly heightened for Magh Mela 2026. NDRF and SDRF divers are stationed at critical bathing ghats, while more than 400 AI-enabled CCTV cameras and drone surveillance systems are deployed for constant monitoring.

Specialized units such as the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) are also present, along with additional police forces for crowd management and traffic control.

Prior to the first Snan Parv, Additional Police Commissioner Ajay Pal Sharma stated, “Today marks the first major bathing festival of Magh Mela 2026. Drones, AI-enabled cameras, and AI systems are in place for surveillance, and our traffic and security teams are ready to ensure smooth operations.”

Throughout the Magh Mela, six major bathing festivals will take place on January 3, January 14, January 18, January 23, February 1, and February 15.

In the coming weeks, the Magh Mela will stand as a testament to India’s rich spiritual heritage, bolstered by extensive administrative planning and advanced security measures.