Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj: Viral Sadhus, Major Snan Dates, Apps for Pilgrims and Record Footfall

Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj has become a major center of religious activity, public attention, and administrative focus. Alongside large-scale pilgrim participation and key bathing rituals, the mela has drawn widespread attention due to viral social media videos of sadhus practicing unusual forms of penance. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the preparations, emphasizing safety, coordination, and technology-driven management for all major snan events. 

The 45-day fair, which began on January 3 and will continue till February 15, has already witnessed record footfall. To assist pilgrims, both the state administration and Indian Railways have launched dedicated mobile applications.

Key Takeaways: Magh Mela 2026

• Magh Mela 2026 began on January 3 and will conclude on February 15 in Prayagraj
• Viral videos of sadhus with unique spiritual practices are circulating widely
• One sadhu claimed he has not bathed for the past 36 years
• CM Yogi Adityanath reviewed administrative preparations in Prayagraj
• Over 31 lakh devotees took a holy dip on Paush Purnima
• Around one crore devotees are estimated to attend Makar Sankranti snan
• Makar Sankranti is described as the second major snan of the Magh Mela
• The state launched the Mela Seva App, while Railways launched the Mela Rail Seva App
• QR codes have been installed at stations and trains for pilgrim information

Viral Sadhu Videos Draw Public Attention

With the beginning of Magh Mela 2026, Prayagraj has also emerged as a focal point on social media. Several sadhus participating in the mela have attracted attention for their distinct spiritual practices. A video circulating widely shows a sadhu claiming that he has not taken a bath for the last 36 years.

Other viral visuals show ascetics performing penance in extreme conditions, including sitting on ice slabs during severe cold and standing on one leg for prolonged periods. According to reports, four such videos related to these sadhus are currently viral, leading to widespread discussion among viewers. These scenes have added an unusual dimension to the traditional religious gathering.

CM Yogi Adityanath Reviews Magh Mela Preparations

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Prayagraj to review the preparations for Magh Mela 2026. Speaking to journalists, he said that all major snan events will be completed smoothly with purity, dialogue, and coordination. He emphasized that administrative vigilance, effective use of technology, and cooperation among departments are ensuring convenience and safety for devotees.

The Chief Minister stated that he was fortunate to have darshan and take a holy dip at the sacred Triveni Sangam during the Magh month. Recalling preparations for the previous year’s Mahakumbh, he said that similar reviews were underway at the same time last year and that he had been present in Prayagraj on January 10 as well.

Record Attendance on Paush Purnima

CM Yogi Adityanath said that the administration had estimated the arrival of 10 to 15 lakh devotees on Paush Purnima. However, more than 31 lakh devotees took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on that day. Devotees also visited Lord Veni Madhav, Bade Hanuman Ji Maharaj, and Akshayavat to seek blessings.

Read More: महाकुंभ 2025: आस्था, परंपरा और वैज्ञानिक दृष्टिकोण

Kalpvasis have begun their month-long spiritual observance and are engaged in meditation and religious practices during the Magh month.

Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Jayanti and Prayagraj’s Spiritual Heritage

The Chief Minister stated that he had the opportunity to participate in the programme marking the 726th birth anniversary of Jagadguru Ramanandacharya. He described Prayagraj as a sacred land of sages and saints, stating that Maharshi Bharadwaj, Yajnavalkya, and many other revered figures had spiritual associations with the city.

He also mentioned that Daraganj is known as the birthplace of Jagadguru Ramanandacharya, highlighting Prayagraj’s deep-rooted spiritual legacy.

Major Snan Dates During Magh Mela 2026

According to CM Yogi Adityanath, extensive preparations have been made for all major bathing festivals. The important snan dates during Magh Mela 2026 include:

• January 14–15: Makar Sankranti
• January 18: Mauni Amavasya
• January 23: Basant Panchami
• Magh Purnima
• February 15: Mahashivratri

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that all these snan events will be conducted safely and in an orderly manner.

Makar Sankranti Snan: Second Major Bath of the Mela

Makar Sankranti is considered the second major snan of Magh Mela 2026. The festival falls on January 14, when the Sun enters Uttarayan, a period regarded as highly auspicious. Bathing in the Ganga during this time is considered extremely meritorious and equivalent to performing thousands of yajnas.

This year, Makar Sankranti coincides with Shattila Ekadashi, which further enhances the religious significance. Reports estimate that around one crore devotees may take a holy dip on this occasion.

Ghats Expansion, Cleanliness and Cold Wave Measures

The Chief Minister said that the length of ghats has been increased for Magh Mela 2026 to accommodate large crowds. Special attention is being given to cleanliness across the mela area. In view of the severe cold wave, necessary protective arrangements have also been made.

A public address system has been effectively implemented for crowd management, ensuring that devotees receive timely information and instructions.

Mela Seva App Launched by State Administration

CM Yogi Adityanath said that the Mela Seva App has been launched during Magh Mela 2026. Through this app, saints, Kalpvasis, and devotees are being provided essential services, information, and quick grievance redressal during the mela period.

Indian Railways Launches ‘Mela Rail Seva’ App

To facilitate pilgrims and travelers, Indian Railways has launched the Mela Rail Seva mobile application. The app functions as a digital companion for passengers during the mela.

Through the app, pilgrims can access:

• Mela special train schedules and stoppages
• Seat availability and ticket booking information
• Passenger facilities at stations such as waiting rooms, drinking water, and toilets
• Medical assistance details including doctors, ambulances, and helpline numbers
• Lost-and-found complaint registration

QR codes have been installed at all district stations and trains to provide easy access to mela-related information.

Divisional Railway Manager Sunil Kumar Verma stated that the app will improve passenger convenience and help make journeys safe, simple, and smooth.

Faith, Administration and Digital Support at Magh Mela 2026

Magh Mela 2026 reflects a combination of faith, large-scale administrative planning, and digital support systems. From viral visuals of intense spiritual practices to record pilgrim participation and app-based services, the mela continues under close monitoring. The administration has expressed confidence that all major snan events will be completed with coordination, safety, and sanctity throughout the fair.

Beyond Rituals: Search for True Knowledge

The gatherings at events like Magh Mela reflect humanity’s deep spiritual search. Yet, as expressed in the words of the Supreme Power, people often believe that merely visiting holy places and bathing in sacred rivers ensures liberation. The Divine voice reminds that countless aquatic beings already live in water, yet liberation has not been attained by them simply by being there. If salvation were achieved only through ritual bathing, then suffering, repeated birth, and death would no longer exist in society. The continued presence of widespread pain shows that deeper understanding is required.

Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that true spiritual fulfillment comes through Tatvagyan, the complete spiritual Knowledge given by the Supreme God. He teaches that spiritual gatherings can become meaningful when seekers encounter authentic Divine Knowledge and sacred scriptures, such as Gyan Ganga, which guide individuals toward understanding the true path of liberation. According to His teachings, listening to and accepting true Knowledge transforms life and leads to real spiritual progress, beyond external rituals alone.

For more information visit our

• Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
• YouTube: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
• Facebook: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
• X (Twitter): @SaintRampalJiM

FAQs on Magh Mela 2026