PRAYAGRAJ, Dec. 25 -- Last year's Mahakumbh has significantly enhanced the allure of the first Magh Mela to be held after the grand spectacle. The annual event has witnessed an unprecedented surge in desiring participants.

This was the first time when over 2,500 new organisations have applied for land to set up their camps at the venue, pushing the number of overall applicants to around 7,000, officials said. They added the fair was expected to feature arrangements comparable to a mini-Kumbh.

Traditionally, preparations for the Magh Mela are based on participation figures from the previous year. In 2024, around 4,400 organisations took part in the event. In the Mahakumbh, however, all 13 recognised ancient Hindu monastic orders or 'akha...