New Delhi: The Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal has immense cultural and spiritual significance in the Indian society. Also known as the Gangasagar Snan or Gangasagar Yatra, it is an annual religious festival which takes place on Sagar Island in West Bengal. In the Gangasagar Mela, thousands of Hindu pilgrims gather from different parts of the country to take a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Ganga River.
Gangasagar Mela: One of the most important pilgrimage gatherings in India
The Gangasagar Mela is widely regarded as the second largest gathering of pilgrims in India after the Kumbh Mela and it is held every year on Makar Sankranti at Kapilmuni’s ashram located on the Gangasagar. The pilgrimage site has existed since the ancient times, as is evident from that the fact that Gangasagar has been mentioned in the Mahabharata.
To those uninitiated, the Gangasagar is the confluence of the mighty Ganga river and the choppy waters of Bay of Bengal. It is one of the most famous religious fairs in the world which is celebrated with great pomp and splendour. It is a popular belief that a holy dip at the confluence on Makar Sankranti cleanses all sins. The Mela is visited not just by people from different parts of the country but also by foreign tourists, making it a confluence of cultures, attire, food and even religious beliefs.
What is the significance of the Gangasagar Mela?
There is a famous saying, “Sab Tirth Bar Bar, Gangasagar Ekbar”, which means “All pilgrimages may be visited multiple times, but Gangasagar is a must-visit once.” This phrase highlights the Gangasagar’s essence that course through the minds of the devotees who have been through this larger-than-life experience. Millions of people visit the Gangasagar Mela and take a dip in the holy waters to rid their lives of worries and attain nirvana.
It is believed that if one takes a dip in the Gangasagar during the auspicious time, it is equal to performing 100 Ashwamedha Yagnas which is a grand Vedic ritual. A major religious and cultural event, people take part in various rituals in the Gangasagar Mela like taking a dip in the Ganga river and and performing “Deepdan” (lighting lamps). The Gangasagar Mela’s gravitas is beautifully encapsulated by the spirit of the devotees who take a dip in the Gangasagar’s holy water believing that it will help them to attain Moksha (Salvation).
When is the Gangasagar Mela held?
This year, the Gangasagar Mela began on January 10 and will end on January 18. The timing of the holy dip at Gangasagar is from 6:58 am on January 14, 2025, to 6:58 am on January 15, 2025. Gangasagar is more than just a pilgrimage, rather it is the intermingling of emotion, culture, faith, and belief. And as we all know, religion has been a fundamental aspect of the culture of the land.
The Gangasagar Mela, held annually on Sagar Island, West Bengal, is a significant Hindu pilgrimage. Millions gather for a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga River and Bay of Bengal, believing it washes away sins and brings salvation. The festival blends religious devotion with vibrant cultural displays, attracting both Indian pilgrims and international tourists. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
