In a significant religious prelude, saints, seers, and administrative officials came together on the banks of the sacred Sangam in Prayagraj on Tuesday to perform the traditional Ganga Pujan. This annual ritual marks the formal commencement of preparations for the upcoming Magh Mela, scheduled for 2026.
Sacred Rituals at the Sangam
The ceremony was steeped in Vedic traditions, with priests conducting a milk abhishek (anointment) accompanied by resonant chants. The event culminated in a grand aarti dedicated to the Ganga, with prayers offered for the safe and successful conduct of the massive spiritual gathering. This pujan is a cornerstone tradition performed every year before the Magh Mela begins.
High-Profile Participation from Officials and Seers
The gathering saw a unique confluence of spiritual and administrative leadership. Key officials present included Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agarwal, District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma, Mela Adhikari Rishi Raj, and Commissioner of Police Joginder Kumar.
They were joined by prominent religious figures such as Mahant Balveer Giri, head priest of Shri Math Baghambari Gaddi; Swami Brahmashram Maharaj, national president of the All India Dandi Sanyasi Parishad; and Swami Shankar Ashram Maharaj, general secretary of the ashram. Swami Vimaldev Ashram, Swami Mahendra Ashram, and numerous other saints and priests also participated in the sacred rites.
Magh Mela 2026: Scale and Schedule
Following the religious ceremonies, the administrative machinery has intensified its groundwork for the mega event. Magh Mela 2026 is set to commence with the Paush Purnima snan on January 3. Organisers anticipate a massive turnout, with over 20,000 pilgrims expected to begin their Kalpavas—a vow to stay on the mela grounds for the entire month of Magh—by taking a pledge.
The scale of participation is further highlighted by the expected involvement of around 4,000 social, religious, and spiritual organisations, making it one of the largest congregations of its kind in the world.
The successful Ganga Pujan has thus set the spiritual and logistical tone for the Magh Mela, reinforcing Prayagraj's pivotal role in India's religious and cultural calendar.
