In Pictures: Magh Mela begins at Sangam with holy dip on Paush Purnima in Prayagraj

Devotees take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on the occasion of Paush Purnima, marking the beginning of the annual Magh Mela. (Source: Photo by PTI)

Pilgrims offer prayers along the banks of the Ganga at Sangam on Paush Purnima (Source: Photo by PTI)

Sadhus and Kalpavasi devotees gather near the Sangam area to perform morning prayers on the first day of Magh Mela (Source: Photo by PTI)

A large gathering of devotees performs religious rituals at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna during Paush Purnima at the Magh Mela (Source: Photo by PTI)

Pilgrims brave the cold winter morning to participate in Paush Purnima bathing rituals at the Sangam (Source: Photo by PTI)

Devotees are seen offering lamps and flowers along the riverbank after completing Paush Purnima bathing rituals at the Sangam (Source: Photo by PTI)

Kalpavas begins as devotees commence month-long spiritual observances (Source: Photo by PTI)

Temporary tents and camps have been set up near the Sangam as many devotees begin their month-long Kalpavas stay (Source: Photo by PTI)

The Magh Mela will last from January 3 to February 15 at the Sangam in Prayagraj, beginning with the Paush Purnima bathing festival and concluding on Mahashivratri. (Source: Photo by PTI)

This year, the Magh Mela administration expects participation from more than 4 lakh Kalpvasis, a significant increase compared to previous years (Source: Photo by PTI)

Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police personnel and security forces are deployed along the Sangam ghats to manage pilgrim movement on the opening day of the Magh Mela (Source: Photo by PTI)