Prayagraj

Over 36 lakh devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga and at the Sangam here on Thursday during the ongoing Magh Mela, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, officials said.

A Magh Mela administration official reported that bathing began at midnight, and by 10 a.m., more than 36 lakh people had completed the ritual. Since the auspicious period of Makar Sankranti lasts the entire day, the total number of pilgrims is expected to cross one crore by evening.

Local resident Gauri Ojha said she feels fortunate to bathe at the Sangam annually. “Being a Prayagraj resident, I feel blessed to take part in the Magh Mela rituals. Today’s bath holds special significance due to the Sun’s transition into Uttarayan,” she said. Ojha also brought water from Varanasi and collected Sangam water to offer to Lord Shiva. She praised improvements in facilities for women, noting the availability of changing rooms, though she urged proper disposal of used clothes and other materials at the ghats.

Another devotee, Preeti, described the experience as “extraordinary” and appreciated the arrangements, while a lawyer visiting from Hyderabad lauded the cleanliness, security, and overall facilities, saying the visit was primarily to offer gratitude rather than specific prayers.

Explaining the day’s religious importance, local priest Ravishankar Mishra said Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s northward journey (Uttarayan). “The period from sunrise to sunset is considered highly auspicious. Worship of the Sun God and chanting the Gayatri Mantra on this day is especially fruitful,” he noted.

Divisional Commissioner Soumya Agrawal said the Magh Mela spreads across 800 hectares divided into seven sectors. Over 25,000 toilets and more than 3,500 sanitation workers have been deployed. A tent city has been set up for visitors observing short-term Kalpvas, offering facilities for meditation and yoga. To ease movement, bike taxis and golf carts have been arranged.

Superintendent of Police (Magh Mela) Neeraj Pandey stated that more than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure safety and smooth crowd movement. Additionally, 42 temporary parking facilities have been created to accommodate over one lakh vehicles, and multiple ghats have been equipped with all basic amenities, including changing rooms for devotees.

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The Magh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in India, continues to attract millions of pilgrims seeking spiritual purification and blessings on this auspicious day.