Prayagraj: Breaking all records, the Magh Mela 2026, annual spiritual congregation on the banks of the Ganga, not only reached new spiritual heights, but also set a new benchmark in terms of grandeur, divinity and footfall.The 44-day-long mega religious event not only witnessed an unprecedented gathering of over 22.10 crore devotees who took a holy dip in the sacred confluence, but also recorded more than three times the footfall compared to the 2024 Magh Mela (six crore).The Magh Mela 2026 also recorded 1.69 times more footfall compared to the 2013 Kumbh, with a strength of 12 crore devotees. With the mela authorities’ persistent efforts and the state govt’s support, the Sangam city witnessed a remarkable transformation, making Magh Mela more elegant, magnificent and divine than ever before. From common devotees to revered seers and saints, everyone reaffirmed their faith on this sacred occasion.If one goes through the figures, Magh Mela 2026 witnessed over 22.10 crore devotees, while the volume of the crowd at the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Magh Mela stood at four, 3.56, 4.30, nine and six crore, respectively.The participation of 22 crore devotees in Magh Mela 2026 created a historic milestone. No other event ever witnessed such a massive gathering during Magh Melas. This figure represents approximately 90% of the state’s population and surpasses the population of many states.Additionally, over 4,300 religious, social and spiritual organisations actively participated in Magh Mela 2026, strictly adhering to tradition by taking the holy dip on all six main snan occasions, including Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchmi, Maghi Purnima and Mahashivaratri.Apart from seers and saints who practised disciplines like hatha yoga, the Kinnar Akhara—an affiliate of the Juna Akhara—remained a major attraction.The Yogi govt left no stone unturned in making Magh Mela grand and divine. A special nagar was also set up near Nagbasuku Road to accommodate more than four lakh kalpwasis.While the 44-day event saw a steady influx of devotees, major bathing festivals, recorded the highest participation, including Paush Purnima (31 lakh devotees), Makar Sankranti (1.03 crore devotees), Mauni Amavasya (4.52 crore devotees), Basant Panchami (3.56 crore devotees), Achla Saptmi (2.01 crore devotees), Maghi Purnima (2.10 crore devotees), and Mahashivratri (40 lakh devotees).One of the standout features of Magh Mela was the Digital Magh Mela initiative. A dedicated mobile app was launched for the first time, providing real-time information and updates. The traditional Bhoole Bhatke Shivir (Lost & Found camp) helped reunite 3,397 lost individuals with their families, marking a significant success in crowd management.
