CM Yogi reviewed the preparations for Magh Mela-2026 in Prayagraj. 12-15 crore devotees are expected to visit the 44-day fair from January 3 to February 15. There will be special focus on safety, cleanliness, technology and innovation.
Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday conducted a detailed review of the preparations for Magh Mela-2026 to be organized in Prayagraj on the banks of the holy confluence of Mother Ganga, Yamuna and invisible Saraswati. The Chief Minister said that Magh Mela is not just an event of faith, but is a living example of Sanatan tradition, social discipline and administrative efficiency. He gave clear instructions that providing a safe, clean and well-organized environment to the devotees coming from India and abroad is the top priority of the government.
Kalpavas and Sangam Snan, the soul of Indian cultural consciousness
The Chief Minister said that the tradition of Kalpvas, bathing and meditation at the Sangam is the soul of Indian cultural consciousness. This year 15 to 25 lakh devotees will be Kalpavasi only. After the successful organization of Maha Kumbh, there is special enthusiasm in the country and abroad about Magh Mela-2026. This fair gives the message of restraint, harmony and service to the society.
No VIP protocol, all devotees are equal
The Chief Minister instructed the officials that spiritual dignity should be maintained in the fair arrangements, but there should not be chaos at any level. He directed the Home Department that no VIP protocol should be implemented on major bathing festivals and clear information should be issued about it. Also, Principal Secretaries/Secretary level officers of all concerned departments and ADG Law and Order should personally visit the fair area and review the preparations. Instructions were given to complete all preparations by 31st December.
44 day Magh Mela will run from 3 January to 15 February 2026.
In the meeting, Divisional Commissioner Prayagraj told that Magh Mela-2026 will be organized for 44 days from 3 January to 15 February 2026. During this period, major bathing festivals like Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Maghi Purnima and Mahashivratri will take place. It is estimated that 12 to 15 crore devotees will come during the entire fair period, whereas on Mauni Amavasya, special arrangements are being made in view of the possibility of more than 3.5 crore devotees taking bath in a single day.
Expansion of fair area and major increase in basic facilities
The expansion of the fair area has been increased to approximately 800 hectares. The number of sectors has been increased from 5 to 7. The total length of bathing ghats has been increased by about 50 percent as compared to last year. For the convenience of the devotees, a detailed plan of 42 parking spaces, 9 pontoon bridges, better internal road system and easy transportation is in the final stage.
Security and crowd management will be done with modern technology
The Chief Minister stressed on maximum use of modern technology. A multi-level action plan is being prepared for traffic and crowd management. Instructions have been given to take strict action against those spreading rumours. Police Commissioner said that adequate police force is being deployed during the fair period. Around 450 CCTV cameras are being installed, of which 250 have already been installed. SDRF and NDRF teams will also be deployed. AI based surveillance and crowd management system is being implemented in the fair area.
Better coordination with police, volunteers and sailors
The Chief Minister directed to ensure training for devotee-sensitive behavior of police personnel. He also directed to involve NSS volunteers and NCC cadets in the arrangements, maintain communication with the sailors and control the charges for food and services for the devotees.
New standard of technological innovations in Magh Mela-2026
The Chief Minister said that Magh Mela-2026 should set a new standard at the level of facilities and technology. For the convenience of the devotees, arrangements like app-based bike taxis, detailed directional signs, QR code based pole identification, ring main units for uninterrupted power, geo-tube technology to prevent erosion and pre-fabricated sewage treatment plants are being implemented.
Special emphasis on cleanliness, single use plastic ban
The Chief Minister said that Magh Mela should become an example of cleanliness. 16,650 toilets are being set up in the fair area, which will have separate facilities for women. About 3300 Safai Mitras will be deployed 24 hours. Sanitation colonies, Anganwadi and primary schools for children are being arranged for them. The Chief Minister directed that the honorarium of sanitation workers should be given within 15 days in any case.
Sanctity of Ganga-Yamuna and better health services
The Urban Development Department has been instructed to ensure zero liquid discharge, so that the sanctity of Ganga-Yamuna is maintained. Under health services, two hospitals of 20 beds each, 12 first aid centres, 50 ambulances, Ayurvedic and homeopathic units are being established in the fair area.
Strong preparations for river, flood and fire safety
River training, temporary embankment, jetty construction, cleaning of drains and continuous monitoring of water level are being done. Nearly 85 percent of the jetty construction work has been completed. The Chief Minister directed for regular patrolling, effective mock drills and keeping the fire brigades equipped with modern equipment.
Special events will be dedicated to culture and heritage
Through the Department of Tourism and Culture, programs based on folk dance, folk drama, bhajan-kirtan, Ramlila and art and culture of the state will be organized during Magh Mela-2026. Besides, there will also be an exhibition of rare folk records and manuscripts related to the Magh Mela of the 19th-20th century.
Magh Mela-2026 should become a balanced form of faith, security and innovation.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed that all departments should complete the work in a time bound manner with mutual coordination. He said that Magh Mela-2026 should be such an event which shows a balanced and effective form of faith, safety, cleanliness, innovation and sensitive administration.