The Magh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, held at the sacred Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati—is one of India’s largest religious pilgrimages. Each year, it draws sadhus who represent centuries-old traditions of renunciation and spiritual discipline to the holy banks of the Sangam. Alongside ash-covered ascetics sitting in silent meditation, the Mela also presents striking modern contrasts. Some sadhus now arrive in luxury cars, accompanied by followers and supported by contemporary comforts, reflecting the changing face of an ancient spiritual gathering. PICS/PTI
Updated On: 2026-01-15 09:19 PM IST
Compiled by : Tarun Verma
Jagatguru Mahamandaleshwar Santosh Das, alias Satua Baba, the head of Varanasi's Satua Baba Peeth, recently garnered attention at the ongoing Magh Mela due to his collection of luxury vehicles
Satua Baba questioned if the people who are associated with spirituality can't drive such vehicles, further condemning those who divide society based on caste and creed.
A luxury car belonging to Jagatguru Mahamandaleshwar Santosh Das, alias Satua Baba, parked inside a camp during the ‘Magh Mela’, at Sangam in Prayagraj
A Naga sadhu of 'Shri Panch Dashnam Avahan Akhara' arrives to offer prayers and take a holy dip in the river Ganga
More than 36 lakh devotees along with these Naga sadhus took dip in the Ganga and the Sangam on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, officials said.
A Magh Mela administration official said bathing began from midnight and by 10 am, over 36 lakh people had performed the ritual bath
Devotees were told to not use oil and soap at the ghats so that incoming pilgrims do not face any difficulty or inconvenience
Naga sadhus heading forward to take the holy dip, (right)A sadhu with ash and vermilion markings on his body
A monk lies on the ground covered with flower petals in a difficult posture with legs folded and arms straight in attention
A 'sadhu' lies on a bed of thorns during 'Makar Sankranti' festival celebrations depicting hard penance
A 'sadhu' sits on a structure made up of thorns during 'Makar Sankranti' as people keep their offerings in the form of money
A 'sadhu' near a shivling made of thousands of rudhraksh malas during the ongoing 'Magh Mela', which is a 45-day pilgrimage that begins on Paush Purnima (the full moon day of the month of Paush) and ends on Mahashivaratri, spanning the entire month of Magh
