Prayagraj, Dec 6 (IANS): The annual religious fair of Magh Mela-2024 in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj will be longer by about ten days.

It will be a 54-day event, beginning on January 15 and will last for one month and 24 days due to the advent of Adhimas.

For this, the district administration would be establishing a vast tent city, stretching between Arail (the South bank of river Yamuna) to Nagavasuki temple (the city side bank of river Ganga).

According to officer in-charge for Magh Mela, Dayanand Prasad, the Magh Mela would spread in an area across 700 hectares of land divided in five sectors besides the holy Ganga and Sangam.

This will be a pilot project for Maha Kumbh-2025.

"During the 54 days of the mela, there will be six major bathing days, the first being Makar Sankranti on January 15. The Mela would conclude with the last major bathing day which will be held on the occasion of Maha Shivratri on March 8," he added.

Preparations for organising the religious event have started with different departments performing the ‘bhoomi pujan’ (the religious ceremony marking the beginning of the work).

Besides, the land allotment for government departments too has been started. After the police line, the electricity department has also initiated the establishment of camps. The work of land levelling of the vast mela area too has been expedited.

Land allocation for cultural and spiritual institutions is expected to start after December 10.