India is blessed with diverse cultures and each region has its own traditions and festivals they celebrate with pride and joy. Gangasagar mela is one such festival of India celebrated from 14th – 15th January every year attracts thousands of pilgrimage from all around the world. The globally acclaimed spiritual and cultural event of the nation known as Gangasagar Mela or Ganga Sagar Yatra or Ganga Snan is gearing up to welcome you in January 2024. The hosting state of West Bengal receives this fair with great pride and with devout. Held during the winter time of the year, it finds thousands of devotees coming over to seek righteousness at Sagar Island’s southern tip in West Bengal. Gangasagar Mela is an annual gathering of Hindu pilgrims who look forward to this day.
When And Where was the Gangasagar Mela Held?
Ganga Sagar mela happens every year during Makar Sankranti, This year 2024 too it is on a day before Makar Sankranti day which is from 14th January 2024 to 15th January 2024. The preparations begin on 14th January and end on 15th January 2024. The pilgrimage takes a dip in the holy water of Ganga in the morning while worshiping Lord Surya. The carnival is held at Segar’s Island which is situated on the tip of the Ganges delta at the top of the Bay of Bengal.
The Gangasagar Fair 2024
The Mela is celebrated with solemnity. Here on this day, there are thousands of pilgrims across India coming and getting one with the mela. Foreigners too find it fascinating to witness a fair such as this. There is thereby a different population also who seek to find solace here.
The Antiquity of the Exposition
Gangasagar fair is primarily a Hindu festive. It is said that the Gangasagar has seen its importance from Mahabharata time. If it is to be believed, the significance of taking a bath at the Sagar was explained to Bhisma by a learned sage. The virtue of purification of the soul and evil deeds appealed to every Hindu, and they practice the same.
The Essence of the Ganga sagar Mela
Ganga is regarded as the holiest river in the Hindu religion. It is said that taking a holy dip in her lap, it cleanses your sin. This is the reason why it is held during the winter. The water is cold but the devotees still take the dip to find renaissance as it is the most auspicious day of the year. Gangasagar Mela is regarded as the second-largest throng fair in human history (Kumbha Mela is said to hold the highest number of pilgrims in India).
How to Reach at Gangasagar Mela
To attend Gangasagar mela 2024, you will require to reach Sagardwip first which is located just 124 km away from Kolkata. Whereas Kolkata is well connected to all other regions of India and you can reach Sagardwip via:
Railways
- Innumerable trains are connecting to Howrah station from various parts of the country. Therefore reaching Howrah station should not be a problem
- There is a State Transport Corporations or even private transport operators who can take you to the destination if you reach Howrah station or Outramghat, or Esplanade in Kolkata.
- There are also EMU train services which can be boarded at Sealdah’s southern section which will take you to Kakdwip. Once you reach Kakdwip, any local auto rickshaws will take you to the destination.
- The other option is to take the jetties from Namkhana railway station.
Roadways
- In case you want to get driving pleasure, you must reach Kolkata and then head towards Kakdwip which will be a more comfortable route.
- Therefore if you are from Mumbai, Delhi, or Chennai (taking the major cities into account) the following should help you.
- Mumbai to Kolkata- via NH 53
- Delhi to Kolkata- via NH 19
- Chennai to Kolkata – via NH 16
Airways
- Land at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Dum Dum, Kolkata. After this, the same procedure for roadways can be followed.
- What’s great is that there are helicopter services operated Every Sunday by the West Bengal Government to reach Gangasagar.
Where To Stay During GangaSagar Mela
There are various camps put forth by the State Government at the venue. Visitors can take accommodation there. There are cottages and hotel rooms nearby to rest your feet too. We are gathering genuine information about staying options and will update this article once we receive them from the authority.
Places To Visit Nearby
Pilgrims visiting the Gangasagar Mela often make it a point to visit Kapil Muni Temple at Sagardwip as a custom to complete their saga of the new dawn. Here prayers and puja are conducted with utmost devotion.
A prior booking is a must though. Apart from these places, you can visit the Fairgrounds, the sea beaches, the Sagar Marine Park, the Sagar lighthouse and port, Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, SushamaDevichowdhurani Marine Biological Research Institute (SDMBRI), Chimaguri Mudflat. Extend your stay for a day or two and you can get to see the lifeblood of this place. There are many best places to visit near Kolkata, you can plan your trip depending on time and interest.
Wrap Up
You will never forget the sight of the lit lamps and the chanting mantra at the Gangasagar mela. The soul seems to have attained moksha and you are rejuvenated.
Image credit: Undiscovered Indian Treasures, Gangasagar
FAQs on Gangasagar Mela:
It is said that the Gangasagar has seen its importance from Mahabharata time. If it is to be believed, the significance of taking a bath at the Sagar was explained to Bhisma by a learned sage.
The Gangasagar Mela is celebrated at Sagardwip (Sagar island) every year during the Makar Sankranti festival.
The Punya Snan is from Saturday, January 14, 2024, 6:53 p.m. to Sunday, January 15, 2024, 6:53 pm.