Uttar Pradesh Unveils First-Ever Official Magh Mela Logo, Showcasing Spiritual, Cultural and Astronomical Heritage

Prayagraj | December 12, 2025 The Magh Mela, one of Uttar Pradesh’s most important annual spiritual gatherings and a tradition that has continued for centuries, has taken a historic step by introducing its first-ever official logo. The Prayagraj Mela Authority announced the unveiling after receiving approval from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, marking a new milestone for an event deeply rooted in faith, culture, and ancient astronomical systems. The newly revealed logo has been designed to reflect the heart and soul of the Magh Mela. It brings together the sacred identity of Teerthraj Prayag, the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati at the Sangam, where lakhs of devotees arrive each year to pray, bathe and perform rituals on the sandy riverbanks during the month of Magh. At the center of the emblem is the Sun, surrounded by 14 lunar phases, capturing the complex movement of celestial bodies that play a crucial role in determining the Mela’s dates. According to traditional Indian astrology, the Moon travels through 27 constellations in just over 27 days. Astrology expert Pt. Hari Krishna Shukla explained that the start of Magh is marked when the Sun enters Makara (Capricorn). The full moon during this time aligns the Moon with the Maghi or Ashlesha–Purva Phalguni constellations, making this period spiritually powerful. This alignment decides the sacred bathing schedule followed by millions who visit the Mela. The 14 lunar phases in the design also represent their believed effect on human emotions, inner strength and spiritual growth. The waxing phase from Amavasya to Purnima is considered especially holy and is seen as a time when spiritual efforts bring greater benefits. Every key bathing day at the Magh Mela is chosen based on these lunar cycles, continuing a practice followed for generations. The logo also includes the revered Akshayavat tree, one of Prayagraj’s most iconic symbols. It is believed to represent Brahma through its roots, Vishnu through its trunk and Shiva through its branches, making it a symbol of creation, preservation and transformation. Pilgrims, especially those observing Kalpavas — a month-long period of meditation, discipline and simplicity — consider a visit to Akshayavat essential in their journey toward liberation (moksha). Adding to its rich visual storytelling, the logo features the reclining Hanuman temple, its sacred flag symbolising the completion of penance, and the Siberian birds that migrate to the Sangam every winter, highlighting the unique environmental beauty of the region. A Sanskrit shloka, “Maghe Nimjanam Yatra Papam Paroharet Tatha,” has also been included, meaning “Bathing during the month of Magh washes away all sins.” This ancient belief continues to inspire devotees who arrive from all corners of the country seeking spiritual cleansing and inner peace. The concept and design of the logo were created by Prayagraj Mela Authority consultants Anupam Saxena and Pragalb Ajay. Their work brings together symbolism, heritage and astronomy to tell the story of a timeless tradition through one unified emblem. With this new logo, the Magh Mela steps into a new chapter while staying firmly connected to its deep spiritual and cultural roots, offering a fresh visual identity to a gathering that has shaped the spiritual life of millions for centuries. Uttar Pradesh Unveils First-Ever Official Magh Mela Logo, Showcasing Spiritual, Cultural and Astronomical Heritage The Magh Mela has taken a historic step this year with the launch of its first official logo, marking a new chapter for one of Uttar Pradesh’s oldest and most sacred annual gatherings. The logo was unveiled with the approval of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, giving the centuries-old event a fresh identity while keeping its spiritual roots at the center. The new design beautifully brings together everything the Magh Mela stands for. It highlights Teerthraj Prayag, the holy Sangam where the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati meet, and where lakhs of devotees come every year to take a sacred dip during the month of Magh. At the heart of the logo is the Sun, surrounded by 14 lunar phases, showing the deep connection between the Mela and ancient Indian astronomy. Experts say the timing of the Mela is guided by these celestial movements. The month of Magh begins when the Sun enters Capricorn, and the full moon during this time creates a special alignment that decides the holy bathing dates. The 14 lunar phases in the logo represent their believed effect on emotions, spiritual strength and daily life, especially the waxing phase that is considered very auspicious. The design also includes the iconic Akshayavat tree, a symbol of divine energy and believed to represent Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. For many devotees and Kalpavas practitioners, visiting this tree is seen as a step towards spiritual liberation. The logo further features the reclining Hanuman temple and even the Siberian birds that visit the Sangam every winter, adding both cultural and ecological meaning. A Sanskrit shloka, meaning “Bathing in Magh washes away all sins,” completes the design, capturing the essence of faith that brings millions to Prayagraj each year.