Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday reviewed preparations for the 2026 Magh Mela, one of India’s largest religious gatherings.
Addressing the media, the CM expressed his privilege in overseeing the event’s organisation alongside his team.
“It is my honour to perform the Ganga puja and visit the Hanuman temple, while advancing the preparations for Magh Mela,” CM Yogi said.
He further added that after nine months, he once again had the opportunity to participate in these sacred rituals.
The CM announced that the government has established the Prayagraj Mela Authority, with the city’s Commissioner appointed as its chairperson. The authority will manage the Magh Mela along with other religious events, applying lessons learned from the recent Mahakumbh, which had a significant national and international impact.
CM Yogi highlighted that officials have expanded the Mela’s scale compared to the 2024 event. He added that they are mirroring the organisational strategies of the Mahakumbh in their preparations.
This year’s Magh Mela will begin on 3 January with Paush Purnima and conclude on 15 February with Maha Shivaratri. It will also encompass key bathing festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, and Maghi Purnima.
Facilities and Logistics Enhanced for Pilgrims
The CM emphasised that 20-25 lakh sadhus and pilgrims will reside at the mela for up to a month, with over 12-15 crore devotees expected to take holy dips in the Ganga over the one-and-a-half-month period.
The government has mobilised all relevant departments. The irrigation department will ensure 10,000 cusecs of water availability, UP Power Corporation will maintain electricity and safety, and the PWD is constructing seven pontoon bridges and laying 160 km of reinforced pathways.
Other facilities include 242 km of potable water lines, 85 km of sewer lines, two 20-bed hospitals, 12 primary health centres, vector control units, and 50 ambulances. The municipal authority will provide 25,000 toilets, 8,000 dustbins, over 10 lakh liners, 30 suction vehicles, and 3,000 sanitation workers.
Police and security teams will maintain safety across 17 police stations, 42 outposts, fire tenders, watchtowers, a water police unit, and deep-water barricades. CCTV cameras and AI technology will support crowd management.
Transport arrangements include 3,800 buses, 75 shuttle services, and electric buses connecting the city and Mela grounds. Officials have also established a tent city to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
CM Yogi expressed gratitude to the people of Prayagraj for their continued cooperation. He assured that the 2026 Magh Mela would take place with utmost divinity and grandeur.
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