Allahabad, Jan 12 (IANS): The month-long Maagh Mela on the banks of the holy trinity of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati at Sangam began on Thursday.

More than ten lakh devotees took the holy dip in the initial hours.

Lakhs of people converged on the Sangam since day break on the occasion of Paush Poornima and took turns to take the holy bath on the 17 ghats, arranged by the administration.

Officials expect the number of devotees coming for bathing to touch 50 lakh by evening.

Tents have been erected in which lakhs of pilgrims began their month long 'Kalp Vaas' wherein they give up worldly connections, cook for themselves of the banks of the holy rivers, eat only self-cooked food once in a day and offer prayers.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made at ghats and thousands of policemen, dog squads, para-military forces and drones have been pressed into service. 

CCTVs have been installed at all vital points and more than 2,000 buses will ferry the devotees.