LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to strictly ensure that no VIP protocol is observed during the major bathing days of the upcoming Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj. The directive aims to ensure that ordinary devotees do not face inconvenience during the massive religious gathering, which is expected to witness a footfall of 12 to 15 crore pilgrims. Chief Minister Yogi also issued the instructions while reviewing the preparations for the Magh Mela, one of the largest annual spiritual congregations in the world. He emphasized that the arrangements must prioritise the safety, comfort, and convenience of common devotees over ceremonial formalities or VIP visits.
“The Magh Mela is a sacred festival of faith and devotion. All arrangements should be made keeping the pilgrims at the center. There should be no hindrance to the devotees due to the movement or protocol of any VIP,” the Chief Minister reportedly said during the review meeting.
🚨 BIG BREAKING
UP CM Yogi Adityanath directs officials to ensure NO VIP protocol during major bathing days at Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj.
— 12 to 15 crore pilgrims are expected to attend the religious event beginning in January. pic.twitter.com/O9kcqKfRIX
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) December 27, 2025
Officials have been instructed to strengthen essential amenities, including clean drinking water, sanitation, lighting, crowd management, health facilities, and security arrangements. The Chief Minister also reviewed progress on infrastructure works such as approach roads, ghats, and tent cities.
The Prayagraj administration has been asked to coordinate closely with departments like police, health, transport, and urban development to ensure smooth operations throughout the month-long fair.
The main bathing days (Shahi Snan) Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami are expected to attract huge gatherings of devotees who will take the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. To manage the influx, additional police forces, disaster management teams, and volunteer groups will be deployed.
Authorities have been asked to use drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring, and digital control rooms to oversee crowd movements and prevent stampede-like situations.
CM Yogi directed officials to maintain strict cleanliness along all ghats and residential sectors of the fair. Use of plastic and non-biodegradable materials will be prohibited, and large-scale awareness campaigns will be run to promote eco-friendly practices.
Keeping in view the Digital India vision, the UP state government is also planning to introduce real-time navigation apps, online maps of ghats and camps, and emergency helplines to assist pilgrims. Health camps, medical control rooms, and mobile ambulance units will also be set up at key points.
The Magh Mela is celebrated every year at Prayagraj during the Hindu month of Magha (January-February). It holds deep spiritual significance. Devotees believe that taking a holy dip at the Sangam during this period cleanses sins and leads to salvation (moksha). The event also includes Kalpavas, where thousands of saints and devotees live in makeshift camps for a month, practicing meditation, fasting, and rituals.
With the 2026 edition expected to bring record crowds, the Uttar Pradesh government is taking comprehensive steps to ensure that the festival reflects both faith and flawless management.
