In a transformative move for one of India's largest spiritual gatherings, the upcoming Magh Mela in 2026 is set to offer pilgrims and tourists an unprecedented mix of devotion and adrenaline. The Prayagraj Mela Authority, in collaboration with Invest UP, has launched an ambitious project to introduce a suite of air and water adventure sports at the Mela grounds, aiming to redefine the visitor experience.
A New Vision for Prayagraj: From Faith to Adventure
Guided by the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this initiative seeks to strategically position Prayagraj not just as a timeless centre of faith but also as a budding hub for adventure tourism in Uttar Pradesh. The goal is to expand the experiential offerings for the millions who visit the Sangam city, especially for the Magh Mela 2026, which will be the first major congregation after the grand Maha Kumbh of 2025.
The plan was formally set into motion with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Invest UP and a private operator. This partnership will develop the adventure segment under the dedicated banner of Prayagraj Adventure Tourism.
Thrills on Land, Water, and Air
The proposed activities are designed to cater to a wide range of thrill-seekers. The adventure portfolio will include:
- Air-based sports: Paramotoring, hot-air ballooning, parasailing, and parachute rides.
- Water-based sports: Jet skiing, power boating, and wellness water biking along the river.
These activities are expected to significantly boost tourist attraction both during the mela period and beyond, making Prayagraj a year-round destination.
Location and Logistical Masterplan
The primary adventure zone will be established in Sector 7 of the Arail area, strategically located opposite the historic Chakra Madhav Temple along the bandha road. For this purpose, the district administration, led by District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma, has issued a notification for leasing 5 acres of land from local farmers for a period of 5 years.
All necessary administrative clearances have been secured, including reports from the police, revenue department, and other concerned agencies. To ensure uninterrupted fun, authorities have devised a two-location plan. While the main operations will run from April to September at the Arail site, an alternate location between Triveni Pushp and Shivalay Park is being identified for operations from October to March.
Uncompromising Focus on Safety and Expertise
Safety is paramount for this high-profile project. The private company entrusted with operations will deploy a team of trained, certified, and highly experienced operators. In a significant assurance of quality, the team leaders will be retired Army personnel with expertise in national and international adventure training protocols.
Assistant team leaders will also be retired defence officials holding advanced certifications in adventure operations. The project has received the necessary permissions from the Indian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for conducting air-based activities. Furthermore, the institution has been formally registered with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department through Invest UP.
Roadmap to Launch and Enhanced Mela Experience
Taking inspiration from the successful model of the Maha Kumbh, the authorities aim to launch these world-class adventure facilities from January 1, 2026. This timeline aligns perfectly with the Magh Mela, offering visitors a unique combination of spiritual sanctity and exhilarating recreation.
Mela officials confirm that all procedural requirements are being completed on priority. This landmark initiative is poised to enhance the overall mela experience dramatically while maintaining the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance. It marks a bold step in the evolution of India's traditional pilgrimages into multifaceted cultural and recreational spectacles.
