Gangasagar Mela 2024 | Ganga Sagar Mela, Ganga Snan during Makar Sankranti

gangasagar-mela image no-watermark

Gangasagar Mela or Ganga Sagar Fair is the largest mela in West Bengal. Gangasagar Mela is observed during Makar Sankranthi. In 2024, Ganga Sagar Mela starts on January 14 and ends on January 16.

The major Snan of Gangasagar Mela is on 15 January 2023 (Makara Sankranti).

The mela is celebrated at Sagar Island where the holy river Ganga connects with the Bay of Bengal. Ganga originates from Gangotri and flows through Himalayas, plains at Haridwar, Benaras, Prayag and then goes to the Bay of Bengal.

It is believed that taking holy dip or punya snan during Ganga Sagar Mela cleanses all sins and clears the diseases of the performers.

The Ganga Sagar Mela, also known as the Ganga Sagar Yatra, is an annual religious pilgrimage and festival that takes place in West Bengal, India. It is one of the largest gatherings of Hindu pilgrims in the country and holds immense religious significance. The festival is celebrated at the confluence of the River Ganges (Ganga) and the Bay of Bengal at a place called Sagar Island (also known as Sagardwip).

Here are some key aspects of the Ganga Sagar Mela:

1. Religious Significance: The main attraction of the Ganga Sagar Mela is the belief that taking a dip in the holy waters at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the festival can cleanse one of sins and lead to moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). It is considered highly auspicious to bathe at this sacred site during the festival.

2. Timing: The Ganga Sagar Mela is typically held during the Makar Sankranti festival in mid-January. Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, and it is considered an auspicious time for holy dips in rivers and other sacred bodies of water.

3. Pilgrimage: Devotees from various parts of India, particularly from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and neighboring states, undertake a pilgrimage to Sagar Island. Many pilgrims walk long distances to reach the site, and the journey is considered an act of devotion and penance.

4. Rituals: Apart from taking a holy dip in the Ganges, pilgrims perform various rituals and offer prayers to Lord Surya (the sun god) during the Ganga Sagar Mela. It is also customary to visit the Kapil Muni Temple on the island.

5. Fair and Festivities: The festival is not only a religious event but also a vibrant fair. Temporary shelters, food stalls, and shops selling religious items and souvenirs are set up to accommodate the large number of visitors. Cultural programs, including music and dance, are also organized.

6. Humanitarian Activities: During the Ganga Sagar Mela, many organizations and volunteers set up camps to provide free food, medical assistance, and other essential services to the pilgrims.

The Ganga Sagar Mela is a unique blend of religious fervor, cultural celebrations, and social service. It is a testament to the deep spiritual and cultural roots of India and serves as a symbol of unity and devotion among its diverse population.