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Basant Panchami : The festival of Basant Panchami was observed with deep religious fervour across several sacred cities in India, as thousands of devotees gathered at prominent pilgrimage sites to participate in traditional rituals and prayers. The occasion, which marks the arrival of spring and holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu tradition, saw large congregations at Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Ujjain, and Dhar, reflecting the cultural and religious unity associated with the festival.

Holy Dip at Sangam Draws Massive Crowds

At Prayagraj, devotees assembled in large numbers at the Triveni Sangam during the annual Magh Mela to take a ceremonial holy dip. The Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, is considered one of the most sacred sites in Hindu belief. On Basant Panchami, pilgrims believe that bathing in the holy waters cleanses sins and brings spiritual merit. From early morning hours, continuous streams of pilgrims were seen entering the fair area, braving the winter chill with unwavering devotion.

Ayodhya and Ujjain Observe Traditional Rituals

In Ayodhya, devotees performed ritual bathing at the revered Saryu Ghat, followed by prayers and worship ceremonies marking Basant Panchami. The ghats resonated with devotional chants as families and saints participated in age-old traditions. Meanwhile, in Ujjain, a special Bhasma Aarti was conducted at the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple. This early-morning ritual, unique to the temple, attracted devotees seeking blessings from Lord Shiva on the auspicious day.

Bhojshala Prayers Held Under Court-Guided Arrangement

In Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, prayers were conducted at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in accordance with an interim arrangement ordered by the Supreme Court. The directive allowed both Hindu and Muslim communities to offer prayers at the site on Basant Panchami, which coincided with Friday prayers. The arrangement was implemented smoothly, with authorities ensuring that religious practices of both communities were carried out peacefully and without disruption, highlighting administrative coordination and communal harmony.

Advanced Security Measures at Prayagraj Magh Mela

With an overwhelming number of pilgrims expected at the Magh Mela, the Prayagraj administration put extensive security and crowd management measures in place. Additional Police Commissioner Ajay Pal Sharma stated that modern surveillance systems were deployed across the fair area. These included advanced cameras and aerial monitoring equipment to oversee crowd movement and ensure safety at the ghats. Water police teams were stationed at strategic locations, while specialized forces were deployed to handle any contingencies.

Traffic Diversion and Crowd Control Planning

To facilitate smooth movement of pilgrims, an inter-district traffic diversion plan was implemented from midnight prior to Basant Panchami. Heavy vehicles were rerouted to reduce congestion, and continuous monitoring was maintained across entry and exit points of the city. Authorities emphasized that these measures were essential to manage the arrival of lakhs of devotees and to allow them to perform rituals in a secure and orderly environment.

Magh Mela 2026 Continues as Major Spiritual Event

The Magh Mela, a 45-day annual pilgrimage, began on January 3 and will conclude on February 15, 2026. Centered around the Triveni Sangam, the event includes several significant bathing dates, starting with Paush Purnima and ending on Mahashivaratri. Basant Panchami is regarded as one of the most important bathing occasions of the festival, drawing massive participation from across the country. The ongoing Magh Mela continues to serve as a symbol of faith, tradition, and collective spiritual expression.