Written by Bhupendra PandeyLucknow | Updated: January 4, 2026 02:27 PM IST 1 min readMagh Mela begins in Prayagraj as over 31 lakh devotees take holy dip at Sangam amid tight security. (PTI)As the annual Magh Mela commenced on Saturday in Prayagraj, the government said that an estimated 31 lakh people took holy dip at the Sangam – the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers.Magh Mela begins every year in the early hours of Paush Purnima, according to Hindu calendar.Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Soumya said that by 7 pm Saturday, over 31 lakh devotees had completed the sacred bath at the Sangam, and the process was still ongoing, with expectations of crossing 35 lakh by the end of the auspicious period.Robust and comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims, the officer added.Mela Superintendent of Police Neeraj Pandey said that more than 1,500 CCTV cameras are monitoring the city and fair area round the clock through a central command center.Security personnel equipped with modern tools are actively engaged in effective crowd management. Public address systems, watchtowers, and active water police patrolling at the ghats are ensuring smooth and orderly facilities for devotees.Bhupendra Pandey is the Resident Editor of the Lucknow edition of The Indian Express. With decades of experience in the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s journalistic landscape, he oversees the bureau’s coverage of India’s most politically significant state. His expertise lies in navigating the complex intersections of state governance, legislative policy, and grassroots social movements. From tracking high-stakes assembly elections to analyzing administrative shifts in the Hindi heartland, Bhupendra’s reportage provides a definitive lens on the region's evolution. Authoritativeness He leads a team of seasoned reporters and investigators, ensuring that The Indian Express’ signature "Journalism of Courage" is reflected in every regional story. His leadership is central to the Lucknow bureau’s reputation for breaking stories that hold the powerful to account, making him a trusted figure for policy analysts, political scholars, and the general public seeking to understand the nuances of UP’s complex landscape. Trustworthiness & Accountability Under his stewardship, the Lucknow edition adheres to the strictest standards of factual verification and non-partisan reporting. He serves as a bridge between the local populace and the national discourse, ensuring that regional issues are elevated with accuracy and context. By prioritizing primary-source reporting and on-the-ground verification, he upholds the trust that readers have placed in the Express brand for nearly a century. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Magh Mela