On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, millions of devotees took a dip in Gangasagar, the Hooghly River and at the confluence of the river and the Bay of Bengal at Sagar Island in West Bengal on Wednesday morning.
Devotees braved the biting cold to take a dip in the Gangasagar at sunrise and offered prayers at the Kapil Muni Ashram located on the island in South 24 Parganas district, where the Gangasagar Mela is being held.
When Will Shahi Snaan Take Place?
The auspicious bathing ritual or Shahi Snaan is scheduled to begin at 1:19 PM and will continue for 24 hours.
Read More: Makar Sankranti 2026 – Date, Shubh Muhurta, Pooja Methods
Given the massive crowds expected from various parts of the country, the state government has made extensive arrangements on Sagar Island, located about 100 kilometers from Kolkata.
A senior official said that a large number of people are expected to take a dip at the confluence of the sea and the Hooghly River, a tributary of the Ganges, as the main bathing ritual is yet to begin.
One Death in Gangasagar Mela
Meanwhile, a pilgrim from Assam died while taking a holy dip at Gangasagar. The deceased was identified as Mitu Mandal (51), a resident of Sonitpur district in Assam.
According to the reports, he died after suffering a stroke. On the other hand, according to administrative data, 6 million pilgrims have attended the Gangasagar Mela so far this year.
Pooja Jha is a journalist and editor who writes on governance, technology, culture, and urban affairs. With a keen eye for detail, she brings clarity and context to stories that matter to everyday readers. She can be reached at: thekolkatan@gmail.com
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