Prayagraj,

03 Jan (HS): Lakhs of devotees from various walks of life, including the

elderly and children, dipped in the extremely cold waters of the Triveni-Sangam

here on 'Paush Purnima' as the Magh Mela began on Saturday. The month-long

'Kalpavas', which is thought to cleanse individuals of their sins, began on

'Paush Purnima'. During 'Kalpavas', devotees take holy dip in icy cold water

twice a day in the Triveni-Sangam and eat only one meal, spending the rest of

their time meditating and worshipping their chosen god. According to Magh Mela authorities, around 9

lakh devotees had taken the holy dip by 10 a.m. Acharya Rajendra Mishra, head

of the Triveni Sangam Aarti Seva Samiti, stated that almost 5 lakh devotees

will begin their 'Kalpavas' on Saturday.

Due

to the bitter cold, the number of devotees is significantly lower in the

morning, although this is likely to increase as the day passes. The 'Paush

Purnima' bath will last throughout the day, he stated. Rajendra Paliwal, head

of the Prayag Dham Sangh, stated that over 20 lakh devotees, including

Kalpavasis, are anticipated to take the holy bath on 'Paush Purnima' by the

evening. The fortunate period for the plunge is till 4 p.m. After having a

bath, the Kalpavasis will make a pledge to their priests for 'Kalpavas' and

stay at the fair, he added. According

to Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Soumya Agarwal, 20-30 lakh devotees are

expected to bathe in the Ganga and Sangam during 'Paush Purnima'.

At

the Magh Mela, ten bathing ghats covering 10,000 square feet were installed, as

well as nine pontoon bridges. Pooja Jha, who had traveled from Kolkata with her

family to take the holy plunge, said she felt extremely happy being at the Magh

Mela. It was a little less busy because it was the first swimming day. This

allowed individuals to bathe more comfortably, she claimed. Shivani Mishra of

Rewa in Madhya Pradesh said she came to wash three times during the Maha Kumbh,

and the lesser throng at the Magh Mela made for a more tranquil bathing

experience.

Dayanand

Prasad, ADM (Magh Mela), stated that for the first time, a separate township

has been constructed for pilgrims (Kalpavasis) in the Magh Mela region.

Prayagwal is the name given to this township that spans 950 bighas. It is

located just across from the Nagvasuki Temple. In addition to 'Paush Purnima',

the primary bathing festivals of Magh Mela 2026 include Makar Sankranti

(January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 18), Basant Panchami (January 23), Maghi

Purnima (February 1), and Mahashivratri (February 15).

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi