Karthik Mela begins at Baluaghat in Prayagraj, drawing thousands

Prayagraj, October 9, 2025 — The sacred banks of the Yamuna at Baluaghat have come alive with spiritual fervor as the month-long Karthika Mela commenced this Tuesday. Held annually during the auspicious Hindu month of Karthika, the fair draws thousands of devotees who gather to take holy dips and participate in religious rituals.

This year’s Karthika Mela holds special significance as it follows recent floods that left behind heavy silt and mud across the ghat. In response, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) has deployed teams equipped with JCB machines and other heavy equipment to restore the area and ensure a safe experience for pilgrims.

The fair, which will continue throughout the Karthika month, transforms the road leading to Baluaghat into a vibrant spiritual hub. Devotees from across Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states are expected to visit the ghat daily for ritual bathing, prayers, and community gatherings.

Baluaghat, a historic site in Prayagraj, was established in 1899 and completed in 1906 in memory of Lala Manohar Dass, son of renowned banker Lala Kanhaiya Lal Khatri Tandon. Over the decades, it has remained a central location for religious observances and cultural celebrations.

Authorities have taken proactive steps to manage the crowd and maintain hygiene. Medical camps, sanitation facilities, and security personnel have been stationed throughout the area. The PMC has also implemented traffic control measures to facilitate smooth movement around the ghat.

The Karthika Mela is not just a religious event but a celebration of heritage, devotion, and community spirit. With its deep cultural roots and spiritual significance, the fair continues to uphold Prayagraj’s legacy as a center of Hindu faith.