Millions Flock to Sangam for Sacred Makar Sankranti Dip

On Makar Sankranti, an estimated 10.3 million devotees participated in a sacred dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. This event, the second major bathing festival of the Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj, saw a massive turnout, reinforcing the city's importance in India's religious calendar. Preparations for this significant day began with 8.5 million pilgrims taking a holy bath on the preceding Ekadashi.

Makar Sankranti, celebrated for the sun's transition into Capricorn, holds deep religious significance, with a bath at the Triveni Sangam believed to cleanse sins and lead to liberation. The Uttar Pradesh administration orchestrated extensive security and crowd management strategies, involving senior officials to oversee traffic, crowd flow, and safety. Special transport initiatives, including bike taxi services, were deployed to manage the unprecedented footfall, with over 11,500 devotees using the service on Makar Sankranti alone.

Beyond logistical and security arrangements, officials also engaged with pilgrims by distributing traditional khichdi prasad, enhancing the festive atmosphere. These comprehensive measures ensured that the sacred bathing festival concluded smoothly and peacefully, allowing millions to observe their religious traditions amidst a well-managed environment. The success of the arrangements underscored Prayagraj's capacity to host such large-scale spiritual gatherings.