Magh Mela: Pilgrims congregate at Sangam for holy dip in icy Ganga waters

Thousands of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Sunday to take a holy dip in the icy waters of the Ganga during the ongoing Magh Mela. Despite the biting cold, pilgrims arrived in large numbers from different parts of the country, showing deep faith and devotion.

The Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet, witnessed a spiritual atmosphere as chants, prayers, and devotional songs filled the air. Rows of tents, saffron flags, and loudspeakers playing religious hymns added to the festive and sacred mood of the Mela grounds.

Devotees brave cold for holy dip

From early morning, pilgrims began reaching the Sangam to perform the sacred bath. Some devotees arrived on two-wheelers, riding close to the riverbank before stepping into the cold water. Others walked long distances, carrying bags on their shoulders while holding their children by hand.

One of the main routes leading to the river, Akshayvat Marg, remained busy throughout the day. A continuous stream of pilgrims could be seen moving towards the bathing ghats. Many devotees said that taking a dip at the Sangam during Magh Mela is believed to wash away sins and bring spiritual peace.

Ashutosh Varshney, who had set up a camp near the Sangam, said that the rush of devotees started early in the morning and continued all day. He added that people were not discouraged by the cold weather and were eager to perform their religious rituals.

As devotees entered the frigid Ganga waters, they offered prayers to the Sun God and their chosen deities. Some stood quietly in meditation after bathing, while others performed small rituals with flowers, lamps, and incense.

Security arrangements were tight at the Mela grounds. Police personnel, divers, and volunteers were deployed near the ghats to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Regular safety announcements were made through the public address system, advising people to be careful while bathing in the river.

Arrangements for kalpavas and pilgrims

A large number of kalpavasis also took part in the holy dip on Sunday. Kalpavas is a month-long religious practice during which devotees stay near the Sangam, take a ritual bath in the Ganga twice daily, eat only one simple meal a day, and spend most of their time in prayer and meditation.

Kalpavas is believed to help devotees attain spiritual purification and freedom from sins. This sacred period began on Paush Purnima, which also marked the start of the Magh Mela.

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Acharya Rajendra Mishra, president of the Triveni Sangam Aarti Seva Samiti, said that around five lakh devotees are currently observing kalpavas during this year’s Magh Mela.

Pilgrims could be seen walking towards the Sangam while chanting hymns and carrying their belongings in small bundles. Many also performed ritual worship inside their tents, where they are staying for the duration of the Mela.

To manage the huge gathering, the administration has made several new arrangements this year. Additional District Magistrate Dayanand Prasad said that for the first time, a separate township has been set up for pilgrims and kalpavasis at the Magh Mela.

The township, named Prayagwal, is spread over 950 bighas of land and is located opposite the Nagvasuki Temple. It has been developed to provide better facilities and a more organised stay for devotees.

The administration has also constructed ten bathing ghats covering an area of 10,000 square feet to allow smooth movement of pilgrims during bathing rituals. In addition, nine pontoon bridges have been built to improve connectivity and reduce crowd congestion.

The Magh Mela officially began on Saturday with lakhs of devotees taking a holy dip on the occasion of Paush Purnima. Several other important bathing days are scheduled during the Mela, including Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Maghi Purnima, and Mahashivratri.

Officials said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a safe and smooth experience for pilgrims. Medical teams, sanitation workers, and security staff are on duty round the clock.

As the Magh Mela continues, the Sangam remains a symbol of faith, unity, and devotion, drawing people from all walks of life to experience its deep spiritual significance.