PRAYAGRAJ, Feb. 12 -- The ongoing Magh Mela 2026 is on course to create history, drawing the highest-ever footfall recorded at the annual fair, which has been held for centuries on the banks of the Sangam.

Before the start of the mela, chief minister Yogi Adityanath had estimated an influx of 12 to 15 crore pilgrims. However, the turnout has far exceeded expectations, crossing the 22 crore mark even before the sixth and final bathing of Mahashivratri, scheduled for February 15.

According to additional Mela officer Dayanand, more than 22 crore devotees have already taken the sacred dip, and the numbers continue to rise each day. He noted that after witnessing overwhelming crowds during last year's Maha Kumbh and the months that followed,...