Haridwar/Rishikesh, January 12, 2026: As the sun prepares for its celestial transition into the Capricorn zodiac (Makar Rashi), the holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh have begun witnessing a massive influx of pilgrims. With Makar Sankranti falling on January 14-15, thousands of devotees from across India have started gathering at the banks of the Ganga for the auspicious Magh Mela bath. This year, the Uttarakhand administration has introduced strict "Green Mela" protocols and advanced security measures to manage the crowds.
Makar Sankranti marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the Uttarayana (the northward journey of the sun). In the month of Magh, taking a dip in the holy Ganga is believed to cleanse one's sins and bring immense spiritual merit. Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri and Rishikesh’s Triveni Ghat are the primary focal points for this sacred ritual.
In a major push towards environmental sustainability, the state government has declared the 2026 Magh Mela a 'Zero-Plastic Zone.'
Plastic Ban: Use of single-use plastic, including polythene bags and disposable cups, is strictly prohibited within a 5-km radius of the ghats.
Organic Waste Management: Dedicated 'Green Volunteers' are stationed across the Mela area to ensure waste is segregated and processed at source.
Eco-transport: For the first time, a fleet of electric shuttle buses has been deployed to transport pilgrims from parking lots to the Ganga banks to reduce carbon emissions.
To ensure a safe experience for the anticipated 20 lakh+ pilgrims, the police administration has released a detailed security blueprint:
Crowd Control: The Mela area has been divided into 15 zones and 40 sectors. Over 5,000 security personnel, including SDRF and Water Police, are on high alert.
Drone Surveillance: AI-powered drones are being used to monitor crowd density and detect any suspicious activity in real-time.
Traffic Diversions: Heavy vehicles have been restricted on the Delhi-Haridwar and Dehradun-Haridwar highways from today until the evening of January 15.
Health Desks: 24/7 medical camps and ambulance services are available at all major entry points and ghats.
Authorities advise pilgrims to use public transport and reach the ghats well before sunrise on January 14 to avoid the peak rush. Devotees are also encouraged to carry warm clothing, as temperatures in the Himalayan foothills remain significantly low during the early morning hours.