Devotees gathered in large numbers at Haridwar on Saturday to take a holy dip in the Ganga River on the occasion of Paush Purnima (Pics/PTI)

The day marked the first `snaan` as well as the commencement of the Magh Mela 2026 

The atmosphere at the ghats was marked by devotional fervour, with chants and prayers echoing along the riverbanks 

Security personnel riding horses keep a vigil at the Sangam on the occasion of `Paush Purnima`, marking the start of the `Magh Mela` festival, on a cold winter morning

From early morning, pilgrims from across the country arrived at the ghats to participate in the ritual bath, which holds special religious significance in Hindu tradition 

The Prayag Magh Mela is a 45-day pilgrimage that begins on Paush Purnima (the full moon day of the month of Paush) and ends on Mahashivaratri, spanning the entire month of Magh 

The Magh Mela of Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), which takes place at the divine Triveni Sangam, the place of confluence of the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati, is one of the largest pilgrimages in India 

A woman holds a `diya`, earthen lamp, as she offers prayers on the occasion of `Paush Purnima`, marking the start of the `Magh Mela` festival, on a cold winter morning at Sangam, in Prayagraj

The annual Magh Mela transforms into the Kumbh Mela every fourth year at Prayag, and into the Maha Kumbh Mela every twelfth year, drawing millions of devout pilgrims to the grand event