Allahabad, Dec 31 : Hundreds of devotees came together at Sangam in Allahabad here to take a holy dip on the first day of the Magh Mela, an annual bathing festival.

The first day of the mela started on Paush Purnima - an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar.

Magh Mela (festival) is observed during the month of Magh, (Hindu month falling in January) at Sangam, the confluence of three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.

Men, women and children all waited patiently for the sun to rise before taking a dip in the holy water to wash away their sins.

They chanted verses from Hindu scriptures and sang Holy hymns as they walked towards the bathing area.

Security has been tightened here, following the visit of the pilgrims in large numbers for the Magh Mela festival. (ANI)