Prayagraj (UP), Jan 18: More than 1.3 crore devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga and at the Sangam by 8 am on Sunday on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, the principal bathing day of the ongoing Magh Mela here, officials said.
According to mela administration officials, devotees began arriving at the Ganga and Sangam ghats from midnight, braving dense fog, and continued to pour in from all directions during the early morning hours.
Officials said the turnout surpassed previous major bathing days. Around 1.03 crore devotees had taken a dip on Makar Sankranti, while nearly 85 lakh people bathed in the Ganga and Sangam on the occasion of Ekadashi.
Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agrawal said reflective tapes have been installed on poles across the mela area to help pilgrims navigate safely, while civil defence volunteers have been deployed to guide devotees. She said the Magh Mela is spread over 800 hectares and divided into seven sectors.
Agrawal added that more than 25,000 toilets have been set up across the mela area and over 3,500 sanitation workers are engaged to ensure cleanliness. A tent city has also been established for tourists and pilgrims observing short-term Kalpvas, with arrangements for meditation and yoga. Bike taxis and golf carts have been introduced to facilitate smooth movement.
Superintendent of Police (Magh Mela) Neeraj Pandey said over 10,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure security and crowd management. He said 42 temporary parking zones with capacity for over one lakh vehicles have been created, and 12,100 feet-long bathing ghats equipped with essential facilities have been constructed for the Magh Mela 2025-26. (Agencies)
