Prayagraj, January 15, 2026: An extraordinary confluence of faith is being witnessed today in Prayagraj, the spiritual capital of Uttar Pradesh, on the occasion of the second and main bathing festival of Makar Sankranti. Following the Sun's entry into the Capricorn zodiac yesterday afternoon, millions of devotees began diving into the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam during the Brahma Muhurta today, adhering to the 'Udaya Tithi' (sunrise timing). Despite the biting cold and dense fog, the enthusiasm of the pilgrims remains at its peak.
According to Vedic astrologers, the primary Punya Kaal (merit period) for Sankranti is being observed today:
Auspicious Bathing Window: From 04:00 AM to 03:00 PM on January 15.
Brahma Muhurta Snan: 05:27 AM to 06:21 AM (considered the most spiritually fruitfull).
Special Significance: It is believed that a dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati on this day grants 'Akshaya Punya' (eternal merit).
Makar Sankranti is famously known as the 'Festival of Charity.' After the holy dip at the Sangam banks, devotees are performing donations according to their capacity:
Donation of Sesame (Til): Donating black sesame seeds today is believed to provide relief from Shani Dosha.
Khichdi Feast: 'Khichdi' Prasad is being distributed at various locations across the Mela area. Sharing a meal made of rice, lentils, and vegetables today is said to invoke the blessings of Goddess Annapurna.
Warm Clothing: Given the severe cold wave, donors are actively distributing blankets and woolen clothes to the needy.
The Mela administration estimates that the crowd could reach the 15 million (1.5 Crore) mark today:
Security Perimeter: Over 10,000 police personnel, Water Police, and SDRF teams are deployed across the Sangam area. Drones and AI-powered CCTV cameras are monitoring every movement.
Traffic Diversion: The entry of heavy vehicles into Prayagraj city remains restricted until January 19. Massive parking zones have been created near the Mela grounds for pilgrims.
Health Facilities: Due to the dense fog, high-intensity searchlights have been installed at the ghats, and medical camps are on 24-hour high alert.