Over 9 lakh devotees gathered at the Sangam in Prayagraj to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Ekadashi during the ongoing Magh Mela. The event saw massive crowds, tight security, and preparations ahead of the upcoming Makar Sankranti Snan.
Prayagraj witnessed a spectacular display of devotion today as more than 9 lakh pilgrims took the sacred dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswation Ekadashi during the ongoing Magh Mela 2026. Officials confirmed that nearly 9.5 lakh devotees had already bathed, with numbers continuing to rise through the morning.
Key highlights of the day include:
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Massive turnout: Lakhs of devotees braved the winter chill to perform the ritual snan (bath).
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Drone visuals: Captured breathtaking scenes of devotees thronging the ghats in orderly fashion.
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Security arrangements: Over 10,000 police personnel, ATS mobile patrol squads, and 400 CCTV cameras were deployed to ensure safety.
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Sanitation measures: More than 3,300 sanitation workers and 26,000 toilets were set up to manage the influx.
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Upcoming rituals: The Makar Sankranti Snan on January 15 is expected to draw over 1 crore devotees, making it one of the largest gatherings of the season.
The Ekadashi bathing ritual marks a crucial phase of the Magh Mela, which began with the Paush Purnima Snan where over 31 lakh devotees participated earlier this month. The administration has emphasized smooth crowd management, water level monitoring, and traffic control with 42 parking zones accommodating over 1 lakh vehicles.
For devotees, the holy dip symbolizes purification and spiritual renewal, while for Prayagraj, it reflects the city’s enduring role as a center of faith and tradition. With the Makar Sankranti Snan just a day away, anticipation is building for an even larger congregation.
Sources: NDTV, MoneycontrolMoneycontrol, NewsBytes, ANIANI News, MSN, Lokmarg