India, Jan. 15 -- Prayagraj is experiencing a significant influx of pilgrims for the Magh Mela in 2026, coinciding with Makar Sankranti and Shattila Ekadashi, with about 15 lakh devotees having participated by 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Over 2 crore pilgrims are expected this year, highlighting the event's spiritual and cultural significance. Despite chilly weather, devotees from various sacred cities, including Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Mathura, have traveled to the Sangam for the holy dip.

To manage the large crowds, security measures have been enhanced, with prohibitions on four-wheeled vehicles since January 13. Security personnel, including mounted police and water police, are actively deployed, and AI-based cameras are monitoring crowd behavi...