Daijiworld Media Network - Prayagraj
Prayagraj, Jan 3: Lakhs of devotees from across the country, including elderly persons and children, braved the biting cold to take a holy dip in the icy waters of the Sangam on the occasion of Paush Purnima, marking the beginning of the Magh Mela here on Saturday.
The month-long Kalpavas, considered spiritually significant and believed to absolve devotees of sins, also commenced with Paush Purnima. During this period, Kalpavasis bathe twice daily in the Ganga, consume only one meal a day and devote their time to meditation and worship.
According to Magh Mela authorities, around nine lakh devotees had taken the holy dip till 10 am. Acharya Rajendra Mishra, president of the Triveni Sangam Aarti Seva Samiti, said nearly five lakh devotees are expected to begin their Kalpavas on Saturday itself.
He noted that the turnout was slightly lower in the early hours due to the severe cold, but the number of devotees was expected to rise as the day progressed, with the Paush Purnima bathing continuing throughout the day.
Rajendra Paliwal, president of the Prayag Dham Sangh, said around 20 lakh devotees, including Kalpavasis, are expected to take a dip by evening. The auspicious bathing period is till 4 pm, after which Kalpavasis will take vows from their priests and stay at the fairgrounds.
Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Soumya Agarwal said between 20 and 30 lakh devotees are likely to bathe in the Ganga and the Sangam on Paush Purnima. To facilitate the pilgrims, ten bathing ghats have been constructed over an area of 10,000 square feet, along with nine pontoon bridges.
Pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. Pooja Jha from Kolkata said she felt blessed to be at the Magh Mela and appreciated the relatively smaller crowd on the first bathing day. Shivani Mishra from Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa said the calmer atmosphere allowed for a more peaceful experience.
ADM (Magh Mela) Dayanand Prasad said that for the first time, a separate township named Prayagwal has been set up for Kalpavasis over 950 bighas, located opposite the Nagvasuki Temple.
Apart from Paush Purnima, major bathing days during Magh Mela 2026 include Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 18), Basant Panchami (January 23), Maghi Purnima (February 1) and Mahashivratri (February 15).