Neon and Spiral Lighting to Illuminate Every Route Leading to the Sangam; Over 11,000 Streetlights Being Installed
Prayagraj: After the spectacular success of Mahakumbh 2025, the Yogi Adityanath government is now gearing up to give Magh Mela 2026 a similarly divine, grand and innovative appearance. Preparations are in full swing as the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati gears up to host lakhs of devotees from January 3.
Across Prayagraj, roads, lanes, bridges and flyovers leading to the Mela area are being transformed with dazzling decorative lighting. The Municipal Corporation is enhancing the city’s visual appeal with neon and spiral lights, ensuring that every visitor experiences the Sangam city in a new and vibrant form.
260 Trees Get Theme-Based Lighting
In a unique aesthetic initiative, more than 260 trees along key routes have been adorned with theme-based neon and spiral lights. Their trunks, branches and leaves have been illuminated in such a way that they appear to glow entirely in the night sky—creating a mesmerizing welcome for pilgrims travelling from the Prayagraj Airport to the Sangam.
Illuminated Pathways to Welcome Devotees
According to Dr. Sanjay Katiyar, Chief Engineer (Electrical), Mechanical Department of the Municipal Corporation, major routes inside and outside the Mela area are being upgraded with elaborate lighting to ensure a festive and spiritual ambience throughout the event.
City roads, ROBs and flyovers will display motifs shaped like shankh, chakra, gada, trishul and swords, inspired by the arrangements made during Mahakumbh 2025. These installations will add cultural depth and divine symbolism to the illuminated pathways.
23 Roads, 6 ROBs, 2 Flyovers to Shine Bright
The decorative lighting plan covers:
- 23 major city roads
- 6 Road Over Bridges (ROBs)
- 2 flyovers
Notably, the lighting system deployed for Mahakumbh is still under warranty, allowing the corporation to replicate the grand visual experience for Magh Mela without additional budgetary burden.
Over 11,000 Streetlights to Ensure Complete Illumination
Beyond the Mela zone, citywide illumination is being strengthened. Under the ₹150-crore lighting improvement plan, extensive work is underway in the expanded and core municipal areas.
In Jhunsi, Phaphamau and Naini, more than 11,000 new streetlights are being installed. An additional 4,400 lights provided by the Mela administration are also being repurposed to enhance street visibility and safety.
Officials are aiming to ensure that every route leading to Magh Mela appears fully illuminated, giving pilgrims a bright, welcoming and spiritually uplifting experience as they arrive in Prayagraj.
A Grand Prelude to Devotion
With large-scale lighting, thematic beautification and enhanced amenities, Magh Mela 2026 is set to become one of the most visually stunning and well-organized editions of the annual religious congregation—echoing the grandeur of Mahakumbh while offering devotees a fresh and modernised experience.
