Thousands of devotees take first holy dip at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, CM Yogi extend wishes

On the first day of Magh Mela 2026, a large number of devotees arrived in Uttar Pradesh to take a holy dip on the occasion of Paush Purnima, the first ‘snan’ of the religious community here on Saturday.

In Ayodhya, a large number of pilgrims gathered on the banks of the Sarayu River from early morning to take holy baths, chant hymns and offer prayers.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to devotees and residents of the state at the start of Magh Mela on Saturday.

In his message shared on X, CM Yogi prayed that Mother Ganga, Mother Yamuna and Mother Saraswati bless all the devotees and fulfill everyone’s wishes.

He expressed hope that Magh Mela will strengthen faith, harmony and spiritual values among people.”Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all the devotees and residents of the state on the auspicious beginning of Magh Mela and holy Paush Purnima. A hearty welcome and greetings to all the revered saints, religious leaders, akhadas and Kalpwasis who come to Tirtharaj Prayag to relish their faith in the holy Sangam. Ganga, Mother Yamuna and Mother Saraswati “It fulfills all the wishes of everyone; that is prayer,” he said.

On Prayagraj, devotees thronged the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati, to participate in the auspicious ritual. Saints and seers have described Magh Mela as an extremely sacred event. “During Magh Mela, devotees visit to seek purification, spiritual uplift and divine blessings. Taking a holy dip on these days is believed to wash away sins, purify the soul and bring divine grace,” said a sadhu.

Another Sadhu said: “…Magh Mela is very holy… Its holiness is equivalent to the holiness of Mahakumbh”

A devotee said: “A large number of people came to take a dip in the holy water. Proper security arrangements have been made… The arrangements here are very good…”

Citizens expressed their satisfaction with the regulation made by the administration. “A large number of people came to take a dip in the holy water. Proper security arrangements have been made and the facilities here are very good,” said a devotee.

District Magistrate Manish Kumar Varma said: “Everything is going smoothly. All arrangements are in place. Devotees take dips in every ghat. No one faces any inconvenience. People can come and go to Sangam Kshetra easily. A large number of people have come here and are doing ‘snaan’…”

Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agarwal said: “We spoke to all the devotees who came here and they told us that they were happy with the arrangements and prayed and did ‘snaan’ comfortably… We have made all possible arrangements and the situation is normal here…”

A steady flow of pilgrims is expected to continue in the coming days as the Magh Mela progresses, officials said.

Held at the sacred Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati, the Prayagraj Magh Mela (Uttar Pradesh) is one of the largest pilgrimages in India.

The pilgrimage takes its name from the Hindu month of Magh, which generally falls between January and February. Prayag Magh Mela is a 45-day pilgrimage that begins on Paush Purnima (full moon day of the month of Paush) and ends on Mahashivaratri, covering the entire month of Magh.

The mela begins with snan (ritual immersion) on the full moon day of Paush. There are a total of six ritual snans throughout the fair. Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti (beginning of Magh), Shattila Ekadashi (waning day of the moon – Krishna Pakhsa – in the month of Magh), Mauni Amavasya (moonless day of Magh when people take vows of silence), Basant Panchami (also known as Magha Shukla Panchami, fifth day of the waxing phase of the moon in Magh), Achala Saptami (seventh day of the waxing phase of the moon) in Magh, the birthday of Lord Surya ), Jaya Ekadashi (a fasting day on the eleventh day of the waxing phase of the moon in Magh) and Magh Purnima (a full moon day in Magh).

The annual Magh Mela transforms into Kumbh Mela in Prayag every four years and Maha Kumbh Mela every twelfth year, attracting millions of devout pilgrims to this grand event.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from ANI)