The 44-day Magh Mela in Prayagraj has begun, with an estimated 20 to 30 lakh devotees expected to take a holy dip on the first day, Paush Purnima. Preparations include expanded bathing ghats, new services like bike taxis and helicopter rides, and a 'Mela Seva App' for complaints. A significant security deployment, including over 1,600 constables, NDRF, and RAF teams, is in place, alongside nine pontoon bridges and 17 police stations. This year's Mela is anticipated to be the largest ever, following last year's Mahakumbh.