Great Bath of faith at Sangam on Paush Purnima : On Paush Purnima, the first bathing festival of Magh Mela, there was a flood of faith in Triveni Sangam located at Teerthraj Prayagraj.

Despite the harsh cold, devotees are doing charity by taking bath in the holy triveni of River Ganges, Yamuna River and invisible Saraswati river since Brahma Muhurta.

It is believed that Paush Purnima is the full moon of ancestors and bathing and donation done on this day gives beneficial results, hence devotees from India and abroad have reached Sangam with their wishes.

Beginning of Kalpavas, resolution of salvation and sadhana

The Magh Mela, which runs on the sands of Confluence, has started from Paush Purnima. From this day, Kalpavasi starts Kalpavas by taking a pledge to fulfill the wishes and salvation of their ancestors. Crores of devotees take a dip of faith in this festival which continues till Maghi Purnima.

By performing rigorous penance, chanting and meditation for a month on the banks of Sangam, Kalpavasi pray for freedom from the bondages of life and death and spiritual energy.

Special importance of bath, fasting and charity

On Paush Purnima, devotees observe fast, take bath, worship and donate. It is believed that donating food, clothes along with raw fruits and vegetables on this day increases happiness and prosperity in the house and removes negativity. With this belief, the process of charity continued throughout the day on the banks of Sangam.

44 days long festival, expectation of crores of devotees

It is estimated that 12 to 15 crore devotees will come to the Magh Mela, which will last for a total of 44 days from Paush Purnima on the sands of Sangam to Mahashivratri on 15 February.

According to the fair administration, 25 to 30 lakh devotees will take a dip of faith in the Sangam on the first Snan festival itself.

Tight security and arrangements

About 8 kilometers long ghat has been prepared for the convenience of devotees. Police and administration officials are monitoring the arrangements by staying at ground zero.

Police, PAC and RPF have been deployed for security, while NDRF, SDRF, water police and divers are ready at the bathing ghats.

The fair area is being monitored with AI equipped CCTV and drone cameras. UP-ATS commandos are also deployed.

According to fair officer Rishi Raj, data of bathers will be released every two hours, while Additional Police Commissioner Dr. Ajay Pal Sharma has said that there will be strong security arrangements.