MAGH MELA
Prayagraj train passengers, take note: Railways may rename 3 stations to end confusion; here's why
Indian Railways has proposed dropping the ‘Prayagraj’ prefix from Chheoki, Rambagh and Sangam stations to prevent passenger confusion, particularly during the Magh Mela. The proposal has been sent to the Railway Board for approval, while Prayagraj Junction will retain its existing name. The move follows complaints of passengers confusing the stations and missing trains.
3.82 cr devotees take dips at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya; Akhilesh says probe seer's 'mistreatment'
Over 3.82 crore devotees performed holy dips at the Sangam and Ganga on Mauni Amavasya during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj. The event saw a brief disruption when police stopped Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati from proceeding to the Sangam, sparking a political debate over the alleged mistreatment of seers.
FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand under POCSO Act
An FIR has been registered in Prayagraj against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari. Allegations include sexual abuse of two individuals, one a minor, over the past year. The action follows a court order. The FIR names unidentified persons as well. Complainants allege abuse occurred at a gurukul and during religious gatherings. Swami Avimukteshwaranand denies the charges.
Prayagraj: UP ATS mobile squads on high alert as lakhs take holy dip on Mahashivratri
Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said, "Today is the last 'snan parv' of the Magh Mela, and devotees are coming in large numbers to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mahashivratri. 2026. 10 lakh devotees have already taken a holy dip. The administration has made proper arrangements.
10 lakh devotees take holy dip on Mahashivaratri at Sangam ghats in Prayagraj
Large crowds gathered for the Mahashivratri holy dip at Prayagraj's Sangam ghats. Uttar Pradesh ATS monitored the Magh Mela 2026. Devotees also flocked to Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. Similar celebrations occurred at temples nationwide. Mahashivratri marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated with devotion across India.
Weeks after Magh Mela row, Adityanath says not everyone can use the title 'Shankaracharya'
Speaking directly on the matter for the first time without taking any name, Adityanath said, "Not every person can write Shankaracharya before his name. Not everyone can claim to be the 'acharya' of a ''peeth' and vitiate the atmosphere at will. Everyone has to follow certain limits."
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Stop beef export to prove commitment as Hindu sympathiser: Avimukteshwaranand to CM Yogi Adityanath
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has challenged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He demands a ban on cow meat export and the declaration of the cow as 'Rashtra Mata'. This comes after he was prevented from taking a holy dip at the Sangam. The seer left the Magh Mela ground after an 11-day protest.

Magh Mela bathing row: Swami Avimukteshwaranand leaves fair ground 'with heavy heart'
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati departed the Magh Mela in Prayagraj with deep regret. He had been protesting since January 18, alleging he was denied a holy dip at the Sangam. The seer expressed profound distress at leaving without bathing. An incident on Mauni Amavasya led to a standoff with authorities over access to the ghats.

BJP's arrogance broke tradition, it's extremely ominous: Akhilesh Yadav after seer leaves Magh Mela
Akhilesh Yadav strongly criticized the BJP. He accused the party of disrespecting Sanatan traditions. This happened after Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati left the Magh Mela. The seer departed without taking a holy dip at the Sangam. Yadav stated the BJP's arrogance caused this. He believes hurting saints leads to downfall. The incident has caused distress among the Sanatan community.

Basant Panchami draws over 1 cr devotees to Prayagraj’s Magh Mela
Prayagraj witnessed a massive gathering on Basant Panchami. More than one crore devotees performed holy dips in the Ganga and Sangam during the ongoing Magh Mela. The festival holds special significance, marking the confluence of sacred rivers and the onset of spring. Extensive arrangements were made for the pilgrims, including sanitation, security, and accommodation.

UP: 4.52 crore take holy dip at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya; probe seer's 'mistreatment', says Akhilesh
Over 4.52 crore devotees performed a holy dip at the Sangam on Mauni Amavasya during the Magh Mela. The event saw a brief disruption when Jyotirpeeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati was stopped from proceeding to the Sangam, sparking a demand for a probe from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Magh Mela sees start of five-day Panchkosi Parikrama in Prayagraj
The Panchkosi Parikrama, a significant tradition of Prayagraj, has begun at the Magh Mela. This five-day pilgrimage started with Ganga Puja at the Sangam. The yatra covers sacred sites within the traditional geographical expanse of Prayagraj. Performing this Parikrama is considered essential for devotees. The tradition was revived in 2019 after being discontinued for centuries.

Large turnout of Devotees marks first Snan of Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj
The Magh Mela 2026 has begun in Uttar Pradesh with a large number of devotees taking a holy dip on Paush Purnima. Pilgrims gathered at the Sarayu River in Ayodhya and the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Saints and seers highlighted the spiritual significance of the mela. Devotees expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and security.

Prayagraj Magh Mela 2026 to attract 15 crore devotees: Check dates, duration, ritual snans, special trains run by Railways and more details
Magh Mela 2026: The Magh Mela 2026 will take place in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj which will commence from January 3 and will continue till Mahashivratri. The Mela will continue for 45 days and is expected to attract 15 crore devotees with the administration laying out traffic diversions for the same. Special trains will also run for pilgrims as Magh Mela commences tomorrow.

Prayagraj gears up for Magh Mela 2026, preparations underway
Prayagraj is gearing up for the Magh Mela 2026. Preparations include expanding the Mela area to 800 hectares. A new sector and an additional pontoon bridge are being installed. Traffic management plans are in place, mirroring Kumbh Mela arrangements. Officials anticipate a massive turnout of 15 crore people, including a large number of sadhus and saints.

About 14.70 lakh take dip in Ganga, Sangam on Basant Panchami
Around 14.70 lakh people took a dip in the Ganga and Sangam during Basant Panchami, marking the fourth bathing festival of Magh Mela in Sangam city. Devotees, including women, children, and the elderly, have been visiting the Magh Mela area since early morning. The length of ghats has been increased from 6,800 feet to 8,000 feet, and 12 ghats have been built with change facilities.

New tickets, airport like facility, AI crowd control: Prayagraj train stations' plans for Magh Mela ahead of Kumbh 2024
Indian Railways plans to implement AI for crowd control management at Prayagraj stations during the Magh Mela, as a rehearsal for the Maha Kumbh in 2025. Devotees will be directed to 14 holding areas, with additional trains and transport options available. A control tower and control room equipped with CCTV and communication systems will aid in crowd management.

32 lakh devotees take holy dip in Ganga, Sangam at 'Magh Mela' in UP
Additional Mela Officer Vivek Chaturvedi said, "From 4 am to 4 pm on Thursday, 32 lakh devotees took a dip in Ganga and Sangam."

22 lakh devotees take dip in Ganga in Prayagraj on Makar Sankranti
Around 22 lakh devotees took a dip in the Ganga here till 4 pm on Makar Sankranti on the second day of Magh Mela, an official said on Sunday. Over 36 lakh people, including 14 lakh on Saturday, took a dip during the weekend.

Mahashivratri: Over 4 lakh people take holy dip in Ganga in Prayagraj
As devotees thronged to the Shiva temples on the occasion, necessary facilities have been ensured around Someshwar Mahadev, Mankameshwar and Nag Vasuki temples and proper parking arrangements have also been made, the official said.

Mahashivratri: Over 1.80 lakh people take holy dip in Ganga in Prayagraj
As devotees thronged to the Shiva temples on the occasion, necessary facilities have been ensured around Someshwar Mahadev, Mankameshwar and Nag Vasuki temples and proper parking arrangements have also been made, the official said.

Lakhs take holy dip in Ganga in Prayagraj on Makar Sankranti, defy COVID-19 surge
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has appealed to the people of the state in view of the surge in coronavirus cases that only those who have taken both doses of the vaccine and are completely healthy should come to bathe in the Magh Mela.

Over 5,000 policemen on Magh Mela duty next month to undergo COVID-19 test
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh)More than 5,000 policemen from civil police and other wings like ATS, STF, paramilitary forces, SDRF, NDRF, BDDS, fire, anti-mines and traffic, who will be deployed for the Magh Mela in Prayagraj next month, will have to undergo antigen and RT-PCR testing before joining the Mela duties.

UP CM asks departments to complete Kumbh preparations in time
"All preparations should be completed well in time and in a concrete manner, so the event is held successfully," a government statement quoted the CM as saying.

Thousands take holy dip in Sangam on Makar Sankranti
Influx of the devotees at the holy Sangam had begun much before the sunrise, notwithstanding the cold winds that have been sweeping across the city.

Railways to set up new train terminal at Prayag ghat to ease Kumbh Mela crowd
Railways would set up a new train terminal at Prayag ghat to manage the crowd during Kumbh Mela after a stampede in 2013 left 36 pilgrims dead.

Lakhs of devotees take holy dip at Sangam on 'Mauni Amavasya'
Lakhs of devotees took holy dip at Sangam - confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati - on auspicious occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'.

UP government releases Rs 9.67 crore for Magh Mela in Allabahad
The Uttar Pradesh government has released Rs 9.67 crore for organising Magh Mela in Allabahad next year, official sources said here today.

Sunday ET: Kumbh mela dates back to mid-19th century, shows research
There is no doubt, of course, that an annual mela took place in Prayag since ancient times — as it still does, every year, calling itself the Magh mela.
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