India, Feb. 11 -- The devotees' footfall attending the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj crossed 45-crore (450 million) mark on Tuesday-a day ahead of the fifth bathing festival of Maghi Purnima on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Uttar Pradesh government said that nearly 55 crore people were expected to visit Prayagraj by the end of the mega event. As per records, till 8pm on Monday, a total 44.75 crore devotees had taken the holy dip with 1.17 crore, including around 10 lakh Kalpvasis, bathing on Monday itself.

By 10 am on Tuesday, 74.96 lakh had bathed in the Ganga which increased to 95.58 lakh by 2pm, 1.09 crore by 4pm and 1.23 crore by 6 pm. The 45-day mega religious event, which started with Paush Purnima bathing on January 13, will co...