Sea of Faith at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya, Pilgrims Begin Holy Dip After Midnight

New Delhi: On Mauni Amavasya, the most sacred bathing festival of Magh Mela 2026, a wonderful scene of faith was seen on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj. Long queues of devotees had formed at the ghats since early morning, and crores of people took a dip in the Ganges and took the holy benefits. Shouts of “Har Har Gange” and “Jai Ganga Maiya” were echoing all around. Despite the cold, the enthusiasm and reverence of the devotees was palpable.

How did the devotees like the arrangement of fair administration?

Many devotees who reached Sangam openly praised the arrangements. A family coming from Madhya Pradesh said that they did not face any problem from the station to the ghat. The roads were clear and well signposted, and the police were there to help at every turn. An elderly devotee said that for the first time in his life he felt safe despite such a crowd.

Were railway and transport services also smooth?

Along with the fair administration, the Railways and Transport Department had also made special arrangements. Additional trains were operated, and special help counters were set up at nearby stations, including Prayagraj Junction. Volunteers were deployed at bus stands and parking lots, and they kept showing the right direction to the passengers. This brought a lot of relief to the people coming from far away places.

How much strictness was taken regarding security?

In view of the huge crowd, security arrangements were strengthened to an unprecedented level. Along with Uttar Pradesh Police, teams of ATS, PAC, and Water Police were continuously patrolling. On the day of Mauni Amavasya, about 900 additional security personnel were deployed in the field. Barricading was done in sensitive areas, and no one was being allowed to move forward without checking.

Was surveillance also done with modern technology?

The entire fair area and Sangam ghats were being monitored with drone cameras. Police officers were keeping an eye on every activity of the crowd from high watchtowers. Live footage was being viewed on a big screen in the control room so that immediate action could be taken in case of any emergency. The administration claims that due to this vigilance, the entire Snan festival was completed peacefully.

What message was given for the future Snan festivals?

The administration has appealed to the devotees to remain patient during the upcoming major bathing festivals, use only the designated routes, and stay away from rumors. Officials say that Magh Mela is not only a religious event but also a big responsibility related to the safety of crores of people, which is being fulfilled with full seriousness.