Millions Gather for Sanctified Soak: Mauni Amavasya at Magh Mela

Over 1.3 crore devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga at Sangam by 8 am on Mauni Amavasya, during Magh Mela. Facilities include reflective tapes, over 25,000 toilets, and a tent city for ritualistic stays. Security is bolstered by more than 10,000 police personnel for the well-being of all attendees.

In an impressive show of faith, over 1.3 crore devotees converged at the Ganga and Sangam by 8 am on Mauni Amavasya for the main bathing festival of the ongoing Magh Mela.

Officials reported that pilgrims braved dense fog to arrive from midnight, ensuring the spiritual event remained well-attended. Earlier, similar enthusiasm was witnessed on Makar Sankranti and Ekadashi.

New facilities, including the installation of reflective tapes and deployment of civil defense volunteers, have been introduced to aid navigation. The event is spread across 800 hectares with more than 25,000 toilets and 3,500 sanitation workers dedicated to maintaining cleanliness.

The provision of a tent city offers tourists and pilgrims an opportunity for short-term purification rituals, complemented by yoga and meditation sessions. To manage the large influx of devotees, Magh Mela 2025-26 features 12,100 feet-long bathing ghats equipped with basic amenities, as well as enhanced crowd management through temporary parking zones and security personnel.