Prayagraj: The Magh Mela has so far witnessed an overwhelming turnout of over 22 crore devotees, who flocked to immerse themselves in the holy waters, seek wisdom from revered saints, and bask in the divine ambiance. As the grand spectacle draws to a close on Feb 15 with the Mahashivratri snan, the memories of this extraordinary experience are sure to linger forever in the hearts of the faithful.
The ghats, once abuzz with devotees, now wear a relatively serene look, but the whispers of aarti linger on the Sangam's waves. Though the crowds have thinned, the essence of those sacred moments, the saints' profound words, and the spiritual fervour will continue to resonate with every visitor.
The Magh Mela's smooth sail is a testament to the tireless efforts of the administration, police, and most importantly, the sanitation workers who kept the vibes pure and the place spotless. Mela authorities have acknowledged the hard work of employees who worked round the clock to make the event a success.
And the efforts don't stop here — cleanliness drives are still underway to maintain the mela area's sanctity. As the Magh Mela winds down, the scene has transformed — tents are coming down, and the area is getting quieter. But devotees are still trickling in to take that sacred dip at the Sangam. "The mela may be ending, but its message stays with us," says Ashutosh Dwivedi, a devotee. "We need to keep our rivers and surroundings clean." Meanwhile, the administration is gearing up for the final
Maha Shivratri snan on Feb 15, anticipating a huge crowd.
Though this massive turnout showcases Sanatan Dharm's growth, it has also posed a challenge for the mela police and administration to maintain efficiency. Before the start of the annual religious fair, the mela administration had estimated 12 to 15 crore devotees.
Indian Railways set a new benchmark this year, running over 670 special trains during Magh Mela – a first in its history. This ensured smooth travel for devotees. Similarly, 7,600 buses were operated by UPSRTC from Jan 14 to 23. During this period, over 20 lakh passengers travelled safely.
Bhavya, a devotee from Sasaram, said, "We are enlightened to witness the sea of devotees who arrived from all corners of the nation to seek salvation." She added, "I, along with my neighbours, arrived on the banks of the Ganga to perform rituals." Delhi resident Indu said, "It is a great opportunity for my family members to take a holy dip on Achala Saptami."
Over the last one month, more than 10 lakh devotees have been taking a holy dip in the Sangam each day. The four main snans — PaushPurnima, Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchmi — alone saw roughly 10 crore dips in the Sangam.
He writes on crime, traffic, health, administration , politics an...
Read MoreHe writes on crime, traffic, health, administration , politics and off beat stories from Prayagraj. Have extensively covered Maha Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh and Magh Melas and state assembly as well as parliamentary polls from 2002 to 2025. My hobbies include reading, writing and meeting people with diverse interests.
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