Over 1 Crore Devotees Take Holy Dip at Magh Mela on Makar Sankranti
Pleasant weather draws nearly 2 crore pilgrims to Triveni Sangam over two days
Sadhus, saints, Kalpavasis and Kinnar Akhara participate in the grand Snan
Prayagraj, January 2026 : A massive wave of devotion swept through Prayagraj on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, as more than 1.03 crore devotees took a holy dip during the second major Snan of the Magh Mela at the sacred Triveni Sangam.
According to Magh Mela Officer Rishiraj, the large-scale ritual bathing concluded smoothly due to meticulous planning and effective administrative arrangements. He stated that by 4 pm on Thursday, over 91 lakh devotees had taken the sacred dip, and the figure rose to 1.03 crore by sunset. With favourable weather conditions, nearly 2 crore pilgrims visited the Sangam area over the past two days.
The ritual bathing commenced early morning at various ghats across the Magh Mela zone. Kalpavasis reached the Sangam at dawn, performed the sacred immersion, and observed traditional rituals of donating khichdi and jaggery, marking the Sankranti observance.
Dandi sadhus and saints of the Acharya sect took ritual baths at nearby Ganga ghats and offered prayers to Lord Surya on the occasion of Uttarayan. Although Akhara Snan is not a traditional feature of the Magh Mela, several Naga sadhus from different Akharas also arrived at the Sangam to take a holy dip and seek spiritual merit.
On the occasion, Jyotishpeethadhishwar Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati formally launched his ‘Gau Pratishtha Prerna Yatra’ after performing Ganga Puja, adding further spiritual significance to the event.
A notable highlight of the day was the participation of the Sanatani Kinnar Akhara, which is observing Kalpavas at Prayagwal Nagar in the Magh Mela area. Members of the Akhara proceeded to the Ganga ghats with great enthusiasm. Along the route, disciples performed the Tandava dance, resonating chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and creating an atmosphere charged with devotion.
Upon reaching the riverbank, the Akhara members first conducted the ritual bathing of their presiding deity, Bahuchara Mata, followed by a collective holy dip. Addressing devotees, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Kaushalya Nand Giri emphasized the importance of unity among Sanatanis, stating that collective resolve and solidarity are vital for preserving cultural and spiritual values.