Preparations Underway for Makar Sankranti Bathing Festivals at Magh Mela and Gangasagar

The Magh Mela in Prayagraj is witnessing extensive preparations ahead of the Makar Sankranti bathing festival on January 15, with authorities expecting over one crore devotees. After more than 31 lakh took a dip on Paush Purnima, the administration has enhanced crowd management, sanitation, security, and transportation, including 12,100 feet of bathing ghats and 42 temporary parking sites. Water quality is monitored with 8,000 cusecs released daily from Kanpur's Ganga Barrage. Simultaneously, lakhs of pilgrims participated in the Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal, where advanced surveillance and rescue drones have been deployed amid cold weather. Security and logistical measures are in place at both events to ensure safety and smooth movement of devotees.