PRAYAGRAJ: A massive fire broke out at a pandal at Maha Kumbh mela Sector 18 on Friday morning. The fire was reported from Shankaracharya Marg following which several fire tenders were sent to the spot.

Earlier, the Varanasi district administration had ordered the closure of schools in urban areas amid a rise in the number of pilgrims thronging the city.

A group of 68 Hindu pilgrims from Pakistan's Sindh province visited Prayagraj for sacred rituals at the Mahakumbh, immersing ancestral ashes and seeking spiritual peace.

With the number of pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj witnessing a sudden spike on Thursday again, the district administration and police once again implemented various traffic measures, including placing barricades at key locations around the city and restricting vehicle entry within the city limits.

The Prayagraj District Magistrate has declared a local holiday on Monday for government offices due to massive crowds for the Basant Panchami bathing event. A three-tier security system is in place, and the Uttar Pradesh government's arrangements have earned praise despite recent stampede-like incidents causing casualties.

The ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj is witnessing an overwhelming spiritual surge, marking its 25th day. Today, the crowd gathered at the Sangam is larger than ever, especially after the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.