PRAYAGRAJ: The Magh Mela commenced in Prayagraj on Saturday with an overwhelming rush of pilgrims, as lakhs of devotees gathered at the Sangam on Paush Purnima for the first major bathing day after the Mahakumbh. By evening, more than 25 lakh devotees had taken a holy dip, setting the tone for what authorities are calling a mini Kumbh in scale and arrangements. After performing ritual bathing and charity, devotees thronged the Lete Hanuman Temple for darshan. The Mela Authority said the footfall on the opening day is expected to touch between 20 and 25 lakh. “This is our first visit after the Mahakumbh. The arrangements are very good and the ghats are clean,” said Ramesh Tiwari, a devotee from Kanpur. Sunita Devi, who arrived with her family from Bihar, said, “Despite the crowd, police and volunteers are guiding us properly. We felt safe during the holy dip.” Police action was also visible on the first day, with two fake babas being arrested from the Mela area. Fake Aadhaar cards and counterfeit currency were recovered from them. Akash Thar, popularly known as the “Datun Boy” who gained attention during the Mahakumbh, also reached Prayagraj and announced that he would set up a datun camp for pilgrims. A Samajwadi Party worker was seen taking a holy dip in the Ganga carrying a photograph of late party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed senior officials to stay in the field and ensure smooth arrangements. “No devotee should face any inconvenience. Lapses will not be tolerated,” the Chief Minister said while reviewing the preparations. For security, around 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across the fair area. Surveillance is being carried out through CCTV cameras, while ATS and NIA commandos have been stationed at sensitive locations. The Magh Mela is spread over 800 hectares and will continue till February 15. The fair has been divided into seven sectors, with nearly eight kilometres of bathing ghats developed along the river. Separate changing rooms have been set up for women. Entry of vehicles into the Mela area was stopped from 8 pm on January 2. Only administrative and medical vehicles are being allowed up to Sangam Nose, a restriction that will remain in place till the morning of January 4. Kalpavas has also begun with the start of the Magh Mela. Kalpvasis will stay on the banks of the Ganga for 45 days, dedicating their time to prayer and spiritual discipline. Unlike the Mahakumbh, akharas do not participate in the Magh Mela and no peshwai processions are held.