A series of responsible waste management and public convenience measures is being implemented at Magh Mela 2026 with support from Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation, as part of efforts to manage one of India’s largest annual congregations.
The initiative, implemented under #MaidaanSaaf — a flagship campaign by Coca-Cola India promoting responsible waste practices at large public gatherings — is supporting organised waste collection and handling during the Mela, which is being held from January 3 to February 15, 2026, in Prayagraj and is expected to host nearly 10 crore visitors over 44 days.
In partnership with Econscious and Ecodeco The Recycle Home Private Limited, Anandana is supporting the deployment of public utility infrastructure made from recycled plastic waste across the Mela area. This includes 20 changing rooms designed to enhance public convenience while demonstrating the practical reuse of post-consumer plastic in high-footfall public settings. Additionally, 25,000 dustbin liners made from recycled plastic are being deployed across key locations to support waste collection at scale.
Hydration carts operated by local vendors have also been integrated across the Mela area, with structured waste collection systems at consumption points to enable responsible disposal of used bottles. The initiative aims to improve access to drinking water for pilgrims while supporting temporary livelihood opportunities for local vendors during the event period.
Commenting on the initiative, Saumya Agarwal, Divisional Commissioner, Prayagraj Division said, “Magh Mela is one of India’s most significant public congregations, and managing waste at this scale requires coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders. We appreciate the support extended by Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation in strengthening public utility infrastructure and responsible waste practices, which complement the administration’s efforts during the Mela.”
Devyani R. L. Rana, Vice President – Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia, said, “Magh Mela creates a temporary city along the ghats of Prayagraj for several weeks, bringing together millions of pilgrims, vendors, and local communities. Given the scale and duration of the congregation, our effort is on integrating responsible waste handling into the day-to-day functioning of the Mela in a way that is practical, visible, and relevant to the local context. Through #MaidaanSaaf, and in collaboration with our partners, we are demonstrating and building awareness around responsible waste management.”
To encourage wider participation, Anandana has partnered with Lakshya – A Society for Social & Environmental Development to lead Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities across the Mela grounds. These efforts are designed to engage pilgrims, vendors, sanitation workers, and local stakeholders in promoting responsible waste practices throughout the duration of the event.
The initiative reflects a collaborative, multi-partner approach involving foundations, implementation partners, and local authorities to support responsible waste practices at large-scale public gatherings. With Magh Mela 2026, #MaidaanSaaf continues to evolve as a scalable model for integrating responsible waste management practices across major cultural events in India.
