A fascinating and unexpected pattern has emerged at the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj, where a higher number of adults, compared to children, are getting separated from their families and later reunited. The dedicated volunteers at the iconic Lost and Found camp, known as the Bhoole Bhatke Shivir, have been at the forefront of this reunification effort.
Fog and Similar Tents Lead to Confusion
According to the camp organizers, three primary factors are responsible for the separations: the persistent foggy weather, the vast and complex topography of the mela grounds, and the strikingly similar appearance of countless tents. Umesh Tiwari, the camp organizer, explained that the majority of those who get lost are women aged between 55 and 70 years, predominantly from rural backgrounds.
These devotees typically arrive for a holy dip in the Ganga during the morning hours. However, the dense fog and the maze-like arrangement of nearly identical campsites cause them to forget their meeting points and lose their way. Tiwari added that women in veils, who usually follow their male family members, often get separated in the crowd.
A Legacy of Service Spanning Generations
The Bhoole Bhatke Shivir is no ordinary camp. Established in 1946, it has played a crucial role in reuniting lost pilgrims with their loved ones during every major religious gathering since. Its record is monumental: over the past 79 years, the camp has successfully reunited a staggering 15.36 lakh (1.536 million) people, which includes 21,836 children.
The recent data is telling. In just the past five days, the volunteers have reunited 210 individuals, comprising 120 females, 80 males, and 10 children. As of Wednesday, three people were still awaiting reunion at the camp. Tiwari noted a consistent trend over the last decade, where most separated men were aged 40-70 and got lost near the Sangam Nose area. These devotees often hail from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh districts like Gonda, Gorakhpur, and Siddarthnagar.
"Surakshit Ghar Wapsi": A Pious Mission
For the volunteers, this work is considered a sacred duty. This year, they are operating under the theme ‘Surakshit Ghar Wapsi’ (Ensure Safe Return Home). The camp provides essential amenities like tea, meals, and blankets to the distressed devotees waiting to be found. The team, comprising about 20 volunteers from three generations, works tirelessly around the clock.
The scale of their operation was especially evident during the Maha Kumbh in 2025, when they reunited an incredible 54,357 lost people. This enduring service, born from compassion and community spirit, continues to be a beacon of hope for millions of pilgrims who converge at the Sangam, ensuring that their spiritual journey does not end in distress but in a safe return to their families.
