Thousands converge in Prayagraj for sacred Ganga bath on paush purnima

Prayagraj witnessed a massive gathering of devotees on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima, as thousands took a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga in the early morning hours. Despite the harsh winter conditions and dense fog, the fervor of devotion prevailed as men, women, and children flocked to the Sangam city, shouting praises to Ganga Maiyan. The bathing ritual, which commenced at 4 AM, marked the beginning of the month-long Kalpavas on the banks of Sangam, with an estimated one million devotees expected to participate in the event, seeking spiritual purification.

Security measures were intensified in anticipation of the substantial crowd, with police, PAC, paramilitary forces, and ATS commandos ensuring the safety of the devotees along the Sangam banks. As Kalpavas officially commenced, the city of tents is expected to be fully occupied, with devotees engaging in prayers and following rituals for salvation. The unique tradition of Kalpavas, occurring only on the banks of Triveni in Prayagraj, is rooted in mythological beliefs, suggesting that thirty-three crore gods and goddesses reside on the sands of Sangam for a month starting from Paush Purnima. Devotees, seeking liberation from the cycle of life and death, travel to the Magh Mela area each year to partake in the sacred bathing festival.