Seers perform rituals and take a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of Basant Panchami in Prayagraj on Friday. PIC/PTI
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
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
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.
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