The ghats of Prayagraj came alive with devotion as millions of pilgrims took a sacred dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati on the auspicious occasion of Maghi Purnima. A sea of saffron-clad sadhus, devotees in colorful traditional attire, and spiritual seekers from across the country thronged the banks, creating a surreal atmosphere of faith and celebration.
Government claims that by the end of Wednesday over 2 crore people have taken a dip at Sangam.
From the break of dawn, chants of "Har Har Gange" echoed across the riverbanks, blending with the sound of temple bells and conch shells. As the golden hues of the rising sun kissed the holy waters, devotees stepped into the river, some folding their hands in prayer, others bowing completely in reverence. Some wept tears of joy, while others stood silently, letting the sacred moment wash over them.
"The feeling is indescribable," said Anuradha Mishra, a 62-year-old pilgrim from Varanasi. "The moment you step into the Sangam, it's as if all your worries dissolve. This is not just a ritual, it is liberation."
Adding to the divine ambiance, authorities orchestrated a grand floral shower on the devotees. Thousands of marigold and rose petals rained down from atop buildings and helicopters, turning the ghats into a vibrant, fragrant spectacle.
The sight left many in awe. "It felt like the heavens themselves were blessing us," said 28-year-old Ramesh Tiwari, who had traveled from Madhya Pradesh with his family. "I have been coming here for years, but this time, the energy is truly something else."Despite the enormous footfall, the movement of devotees remained smooth, thanks to well-planned arrangements by the authorities. "The Maghi Purnima snan has been conducted peacefully and efficiently," said a senior government official Anuj Kumar Jha. "Over 40 million devotees have already taken the holy dip. Our entire team is working tirelessly to ensure that facilities, crowd management, and sanitation are up to the mark."
According to officials, nearly one-third of India's population has participated in the ongoing Magh Mela's holy baths, a staggering testament to the event's significance.
"This is an unprecedented turnout," said Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar. "On peak weekends, crowds swell, sometimes causing traffic slowdowns, but our teams work round the clock to keep everything under control. The sheer scale of faith on display here is beyond words."
Key routes such as Andawa to Jhunsi and the Shastri Bridge witnessed a steady flow of pilgrims. Even around the iconic Bade Hanuman Temple, where devotees often queue for hours, the crowd was well-regulated.
The grand event was also marked by spiritual declarations. Former Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board Chairman Wasim Rizvi, now known as Jitendra Narayan Singh Tyagi after his conversion to Hinduism, took a dip in the Sangam and expressed his joy.
"Sangam Snan is not just about bathing, it is about inner transformation. It fills my soul with bliss," he said, standing on the ghats surrounded by his supporters. He went on to announce his plans for a new organization aimed at supporting those who choose to embrace Sanatan Dharma. "We will provide financial aid to converts, help them establish businesses, and ensure they are welcomed into society with dignity."
His statements sparked mixed reactions among devotees, with some expressing support, while others preferred to focus on the spiritual essence of the gathering.
The Magh Mela, often considered a precursor to the grand Maha Kumbh, has once again reaffirmed Prayagraj's role as the epicenter of Hindu spirituality.
As Maghi Purnima draws to a close, the energy at the Sangam remains electric, with pilgrims continuing their prayers and taking one last dip before heading home-hearts full, spirits uplifted, and faith renewed.
