The first day of the 2026 Magh Mela in Prayagraj witnessed an overwhelming surge of devotion, with more than 32 lakh pilgrims and devotees thronging the sacred banks of the Ganga. This massive turnout has filled officials of the Uttar Pradesh tourism department with optimism, reinforcing their ambitious plan to position Prayagraj as a premier religious, historic, and spiritual destination on the global tourism map.
UNESCO Recognition Fuels Tourist Influx
Officials attribute this significant increase in visitors to the recent international recognition bestowed upon the city. The UNESCO declaration of the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity has acted as a powerful magnet, drawing both domestic and international attention. The first-day footfall at the Magh Mela, which exceeded 30 lakh according to Mela administration figures, is seen as direct evidence of this growing allure. Tourism department data reveals a staggering jump in tourist numbers to Prayagraj, from 2.66 crore in 2022 to over 69 crore in 2025.
Building on the Maha Kumbh 2025 Success
Riding high on the unprecedented success of the Maha Kumbh in 2025, which saw a recorded 68,21,50,860 visitors from January to September 2025, the state administration is crafting a detailed roadmap. The goal is to transform Prayagraj into a world-class tourist hub. A senior tourism official highlighted that the grand celebration of Maha Kumbh 2025 earned Prayagraj special recognition on the global stage, creating a powerful momentum that current initiatives seek to sustain and amplify.
This year's 44-day Magh Mela is being positioned as more than just a traditional religious gathering. It is envisioned as a vibrant exhibition of India's spiritual and cultural identity, coupled with a showcase of meticulous administrative planning. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has personally estimated that over 15 crore tourists or devotees will attend the 2026 Magh Mela, a figure that would be more than triple the attendance of all previous editions.
Global Branding and Enhanced Infrastructure
Mirroring the strategy employed for the Maha Kumbh, the state government has embarked on a global branding campaign for the Magh Mela. The anticipated surge in visitors has also led to a substantial increase in the event's budget, which has been raised to Rs 95 crore from Rs 79.8 crore in 2024.
The administration is leaving no stone unturned in enhancing the visitor experience. A senior official explained that concerted efforts are being made to attract people through various mediums, with a special thematic focus guiding the entire layout and decoration of the Mela grounds. The essence of spirituality will permeate every aspect, from the tent city and ghat decorations to the LED lighting systems, cultural stages, thematic parks, welcome gates, art installations, and public facilities.
This holistic approach underscores Uttar Pradesh's determined push to leverage its rich spiritual heritage, transforming Prayagraj into a must-visit node on the global circuit for cultural and religious tourism.
