Magha month, Mauni Amavasya is an important Hindu holy day observed on the new moon day. This year mauni amavasya falls on January 18, 2026. The term “Mauni” is derived from maun, meaning silence, and devotees observe silence, self-discipline, meditation, and prayer on this day to attain spiritual purification. On these day devotes take holy dip in sacred rivers to wash away sins. Day holds special significance during the Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela, when millions of pilgrims participate in ritual bathing. Devotees also observe fasting, perform charity and donations, worship Lord Vishnu, and offer Pitru tarpan to honor their ancestors.
Prayagraj's Sangam Ghat saw heightened security as approximately 5 million devotees bathed in the holy waters for Mauni Amavasya between Saturday evening and early Sunday morning. Prayagraj Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar told ANI that the ritual began at midnight with heavy crowds, and devotees continued to arrive despite dense fog.
Magh Mela Officer Rishi Raj reported extensive arrangements for Mauni Amavasya, including 3.5 kilometers of ghats. He encouraged devotees in all sectors to use the nearest ghat for the holy dip, assuring them of ample changing rooms, a public address system, ICCC monitoring, and a traffic management plan. He also noted the deployment of multiple security agencies to manage crowds and ensure devotee convenience.
Verma told ANI that the Mauni Amavasya snan had commenced, with an estimated 30-35 million devotees expected to participate. Officials confirmed crowd management, traffic control, and continuous monitoring were in place. Devotees expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, with one telling ANI of feeling "very good" after taking the holy dip.