PRAYAGRAJ, Jan. 2 -- The entire Magh Mela area was declared a no-vehicle zone from 8 pm on Thursday as the administration put in place extensive traffic and crowd management measures ahead of the Magh Mela, which begins on Saturday with the Paush Purnima bathing. A large number of devotees are expected to arrive on the opening day, prompting police to enforce strict movement regulations across the Mela zone.

According to officials, entry into the Mela area will be permitted only to ambulances and emergency service vehicles. Dedicated routes have been marked for pedestrian movement within the Mela zone and towards the Sangam Nose, while a one-way system has been implemented on all pontoon bridges.

Devotees travelling from Parade to Jhuns...