Magh Mela 2026 has become a major source of employment for the villagers of Prayagraj. In the villages situated on the banks of Ganga, women are making cow dung cakes and earthen stoves. Their demand has further increased due to the ban on heaters and small gas cylinders.
Lucknow. Magh Mela 2026, which is going to start from January 3, 2026 in Prayagraj, has opened new avenues of faith as well as employment for the villagers. In the villages situated around the Sangam area, rural women are strengthening their livelihood by preparing cow dung cakes and earthen stoves. These days, a big market for cow dung cakes and earthen stoves has been established in 27 villages belonging to the Magh Mela area. In the coastal villages of Ganga, women make cow dung cakes all day long, which are sent to the camps of Kalpavasis and saints in the month of Magh.
More than 15 thousand rural families are getting employment
Magh Mela has become a major source of income for the hotel, travel, tent and food sectors as well as for rural families doing small jobs. About 15 thousand rural families involved in animal husbandry are directly benefiting from this event.
Demand for traditional fuel increased among Kalpavasis and saints
Vimla Yadav of Badra Sonauti village tells that the cakes made from the cows and buffaloes of her house are collected throughout the year and sold to the Kalpvasis in Magh. Aarti of Malwa Khurd village has so far received orders for 7 thousand earthen stoves.
Sailor community also has great expectations from Magh Mela
Magh Mela has also brought prosperity for the sailor community. Many families of Nishad community are preparing new boats. Bablu Nishad of Daraganj says that if the number of devotees coming to Magh Mela remains as per the estimate, then the income of the sailor community will increase manifold.
Ban on heaters and small gas cylinders increases the need for cow dung cakes
The fair administration has banned the use of heaters and small LPG cylinders in the camps due to security reasons. This has further increased the demand for traditional fuels—dung cakes and earthen stoves.
Kalpvasi gives priority to tradition and purity
According to Tirtha priest Pradeep Tiwari, Kalpavasis keep purity and tradition above all else. Therefore, they prefer food made from cow dung cakes on earthen stoves, which is directly benefiting the hard work of rural women.