Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reviewed preparations for the Garhmukteshwar and Tigri Mela 2026, where around 25–30 lakh devotees are expected to gather for the Kartik Purnima celebrations. He has directed officials to ensure strong security, proper traffic management, cleanliness, healthcare and essential facilities during the religious events.
The melas will take place from November 17 to November 26, 2026. The main bathing ritual in the Ganga is scheduled for November 24.
Garhmukteshwar-Tigri Mela 2026: 30 Lakh Devotees Expected
The Garhmukteshwar Kartik Purnima Ganga Snan Mela and Tigri Mela are among the major religious gatherings in western Uttar Pradesh. These events are also known as the ‘Mini Kumbh of Western Uttar Pradesh’.
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According to the state government, around 25–30 lakh devotees are expected to attend the celebrations over ten days.
Officials from Meerut, Bareilly, Amroha, Hapur, Moradabad and other districts participated in the review meeting through video conferencing.
The Chief Minister instructed all departments to complete their preparations on time and ensure that devotees face no difficulties.
Garhmukteshwar-Tigri Mela 2026: Yogi Adityanath Directs Strong Security Arrangements
Security will be a major priority during both religious gatherings because of the expected large crowd.
Yogi Adityanath directed officials to deploy sufficient police personnel, including women police officers. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) will also be deployed on both sides of the river. The government has also directed officials to arrange:
- CCTV cameras for continuous monitoring.
- Watchtowers and public address systems.
- Fire tenders and emergency response teams.
- Proper parking facilities and traffic diversions.
- A round-the-clock control room.
Senior police officers will brief and guide security personnel before the events begin. The Chief Minister also instructed police officers to avoid making social media reels while performing their official duties.
Garhmukteshwar-Tigri Mela 2026: Temporary Hospitals And Medical Facilities For Devotees
With millions of people expected to visit the mela areas, healthcare arrangements are another important priority.
The Chief Minister directed officials to establish temporary hospitals with facilities similar to Community Health Centres (CHCs).
These temporary medical facilities will have sufficient doctors, healthcare workers, ambulances and emergency medical services. Officials have also been instructed to ensure regular electricity supply and safe drinking water throughout the mela period.
These arrangements will help provide medical assistance to devotees in case of health emergencies.
Cleanliness And Ganga Ghat Arrangements
The Uttar Pradesh government has also focused on cleanliness and proper facilities at the Ganga ghats.
Yogi Adityanath instructed officials to ensure sufficient water availability at bathing locations. The river should also be channelised wherever necessary to support safe bathing arrangements.
Adequate sanitation workers will be deployed to maintain cleanliness around the ghats and mela areas. The Chief Minister has also ordered a complete ban on single-use plastic during the events.
Officials from the departments of Home, Public Works, Transport, Irrigation, Urban Development, Energy, Panchayati Raj and Health have been asked to inspect the arrangements before the melas begin.
Liquor And Intoxicants To Be Banned In Mela Areas
The Chief Minister has ordered a strict ban on the sale of liquor and intoxicating substances within the mela areas. He also instructed officials to ensure that no activity hurting religious sentiments takes place during the celebrations.
Authorities have been asked to conduct special campaigns against intoxicants and take action against people spreading rumours or misinformation on social media. Officials will also remain alert against unwanted activities and possible wildlife-related risks in the mela areas.
Cultural Programmes, Laser Shows And Drone Shows Planned
Apart from religious activities, the melas will also feature cultural and spiritual programmes. The Tourism and Culture Department has been instructed to organise several traditional events, including:
- Shrimad Bhagwat Katha.
- Raslila and Ramlila performances.
- Spiritual programmes related to Lord Shiva.
- Laser and drone shows.
The government has directed officials to organise respectful cultural programmes and provide opportunities for local artists. These activities are expected to make the religious gatherings more engaging for visitors.
Additional Buses To Help Devotees
Managing the movement of millions of devotees will be another major challenge during the celebrations.
The Transport Department has been instructed to operate additional buses to help people reach the mela areas and return safely.
Officials will also prepare proper traffic management plans, parking arrangements and road diversions to reduce congestion.
The government has asked all concerned departments to work together and complete the necessary arrangements before November 17.
