PRAYAGRAJ, Dec. 3 -- Preparations for Magh Mela 2026 began on Tuesday with the Prayagraj Mela Authority starting the land allotment process and holding the traditional Ganga Puja. The process opened with Dandi sannyasis, who will receive land over the next two days. The Ganga Puja continued till 2pm, after which officials took saints to the Jhunsi area to inspect their plots. A Bhoomi Pujan was performed by Swami Brahmashram, Swami Bimaldev, mela officer Rishiraj, SDM Vivek Shukla and Abhinav Pathak. After the ceremony, saints were shown their allotted land. This year, saints have asked for 90 bighas, and formal allotment will take place at 9am on Wednesday. Saints from Acharyabada will receive land on Friday and Saturday. Traditionally given 75 bighas, they have now requested 200 bighas because of increasing numbers. The 44-day Magh Mela will run from January 3 to February 15 2026, spread across 800 hectares and divided into seven sectors with 42 parking zones....