An official of the Prayagraj Mela Authority said people started arriving at the Sangam area from midnight onwards. On Basant Panchami, 3.56 crore devotees took a holy dip, the official said

Basant Panchami holds special significance in Prayagraj as the city is believed to be the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati 

The festival also marks the change of season, heralding the onset of spring

Seers perform rituals in Prayagraj. Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said there was a huge crowd of devotees at all ghats in the mela ground

More than 400 cameras are operational in the area to monitor the movement of devotees, he said

Superintendent of Police (Magh Mela) Neeraj Pandey said over 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across the mela area to ensure the safety of devotees and smooth traffic movement 

The day is traditionally marked by wearing yellow clothes, donating yellow items, and worshipping Goddess Saraswati 

Members of International Kinner Akhara perform rituals

The Uttar Pradesh government, in a statement, said the massive turnout at the ghats stands as a testament to both the deep faith of devotees and the unprecedented administrative preparations.