Prayagraj

Preparations are in full swing in Prayagraj ahead of the Magh Mela 2026, with authorities expecting a significant turnout of pilgrims and visitors.

Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agarwal said this year’s Magh Mela is likely to be larger than previous editions, with the total footfall projected at around 15 crore people. The festival will begin on January 3, 2026, and continue until February 15, encompassing major auspicious days such as Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Maha Shivaratri.

The event takes place at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, attracting thousands of devotees daily for ritual baths.

Commissioner Agarwal noted that the scale of arrangements has been significantly expanded to handle the expected influx. “We are constructing an additional sector and will have seven pontoon bridges this year. Contingency plans have been prepared based on projected traffic, following protocols similar to the Kumbh Mela,” she said.

She added that the estimate combines both the current trend of visitors and the floating population, resulting in an anticipated 15 crore participants. Agarwal also highlighted the key dates: Makar Sankranti on January 15, Mauni Amavasya on January 18, and the conclusion of the Mela on February 15 with Maha Shivaratri.

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Earlier, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had indicated that the visitor count would range between 12 to 15 crore. He emphasized that preparations are being made with a focus on safety and logistics, noting that many Kalpvasis arrive in January for Paush Purnima, and approximately 20 to 25 lakh devotees stay for the full 1.5 months to perform holy dips on six significant days.