Magh Mela 2023: The 44-day-long Magh Mela in Prayagraj Sangam concluded on Saturday on Mahashivratri with devotees taking a holy dip in the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers in the morning and a Ganga Aarti lighting up the night.
It is believed that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, who was the reincarnation of Sati (first wife of Shiva), on this night. The festival of Mahashivratri celebrates this holy union, and the annual Magh Mela is held at Prayagraj Sangam as part of the celebration.
People took a holy dip on the morning of Mahashivratri on Saturday at Prayagraj sangam.
The historical, mythological and spiritual roots of this annual fair are widely known, making it one of the most popular religious events in the country. The event witnesses a heavy footfall of devotees not only from other states but also from across the globe.
With time, the mela has significantly changed. The crowd profile has evolved too. While earlier it was largely old-age devotees who thronged the fair, a lot of youngsters come to the mela every year now.
The year 2023 is special in two ways. One, because it was the first time the Magh Mela was organised in full glow after the pandemic. The arrangements were on a smaller scale last year. Second, it marks the beginning of preparations for the Maha Kumbh to be held in Prayagraj in 2025, which expects a bigger footfall than what has been witnessed in the past.
The Centre and the state administration have begun preparations to manage the heavy crowd that will gradually arrive in the holy city. The 2019 Kumbh was itself a major success with three Guinness Records to its name that included the largest crowd management, largest sanitation drive and largest painting exercise of public sites. Estimates suggest approximately 130-140 million people visited Prayagraj during the 2019 Kumbh.
The annual Magh Mela is considered to be the sangam (union) of human conscience with its physical existence. With changing times, the fair has evolved without losing its charm.
Here is a look at the grandeur and colours of this year's Magh Mela.
The glow of the setting sun is brighter than any time in the day due to its power to spread the rays across the sky in different colours making it hypnotising. For one who would love to see the sight, the best way is to ride the waves and flow with the light of the sun as it sets to enlighten the coming day.
Camel rides on the sands of Sangam make things more exciting for tourists at the Magh Mela. With an open area surrounded by water and sand, one gets a landscape view of the area while on a bumpy ride.
The banks of the Sangam have a lot on offer for children too — from cotton candy in different colours and flavours to simple yet exciting toys.
Magh mela is also the time of the year when migratory birds arrive in the area, enhancing the beauty of the place with their presence in the sky and in the waters.
Through the years, the mela has grown from a religious annual event to a full-fledged tourist attraction. As local residents like this writer would vouch, the mela has ‘matured’ in terms of arrangement and presentation. There was a time when an early morning bath and Kalpvasi tents were the only things considered part of the fair. It has now changed into much more, offering something for everyone.
The rides attract not only children but adults too. And they don't punch a big hole in your pockets, with charges ranging from Rs 50 to a maximum of Rs 80-90 for a ride.
This is not jalebi. This is ‘Crispy Potato’. You are unlikely to find it anywhere else in Prayagraj but only at the Magh Mela grounds.
Creativity also finds its way here. A Shivling at Prayagraj sangam made with biscuits.
And at last, the mesmerising glow of the Ganga Aarti.
Those who arrive from far away definitely go back with this image inscribed in their memories forever. For locals, no matter how many times they have seen this in the past, it feels fresh and adds to whatever they experienced the last time.