Well known as the second biggest pilgrimage gathering in the world, Ganga Sagar Mela is the day when millions of pilgrims from all over the world gather to take a sacred dip in the holiness of River Ganga. On the holy occasion of Makar Sankranti (14th January), in Sagar Island's silver sand acres, the festival is celebrated with grandeur, followed by a sacred pooja and offerings in the Kapil Muni Temple.

The annual fair runs on the holy river Gangotri banks for two months (January - February), usually crowded the most on the Makar Sankranti. The crowd comprises pilgrims from all over the country: Nepal, Thailand, Canada, the West Indies, Australia, and many more. People from all over the world unite at the banks of the converging holy rivers, the Ganges and Bay of Bengal, to celebrate and indulge, transforming themselves into great souls of purity.

Origin, History, and Significance of Sagar Mela

Located about 130 km south of Kolkata, Kapil Muni temple holds a sacred and intense story behind the actual paavam beliefs being secretly followed today.

Sage Kapil Muni, son of Kardam Muni, was one of the blessed incarnations of Lord Vishnu. At the time, King Sagar was conducting a huge prosperous Ashwamedha Yaga to win over the world. So Indra deva, the lord of the heavens, stole the sacrificial horses and hastily tied them in the patal lok (below the earth) beside Kapil Muni's Ashram out of jealousy.

On finding the horse in Kapil Muni's Ashram, the king's sons mistook Kapil Muni as the thief and blamed him for the same. Kapil Muni was infuriated with the false blame and cursed the boys for reducing them into ashes. Later Bhagirathi, the only grandson of King Sagar, meditated for years, convincing the holy river Ganga to flow down towards the Bay of Bengal over his ancestors' cursed mortals to pour salvation into their souls.

Today, millions of people reach the Sagar islands on the banks of the Ganges and the sea confluence to take a dip and attain salvation from all their sins. The Kapil Muni temple today resembles the old Kapil Muni Ashram, where people splurge to offer prayers during the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti.

When is the Mela Celebrated?

Aforesaid the festival is celebrated on 14th January every year during Makar Sankranti. Although the annual fair runs in Sagardwip Island for around two whole months of January and February, the day of Makar Sankranti is the perfect and righteous day for offering prayers.

Because the day is super crowded with pilgrims worldwide, you can also attend the Mela in February and other days in January.

How and in which state is Ganga Sagar Mela celebrated?

As mentioned before, Gangasagar Mela is celebrated on the banks of the Ganges at Sagardwip(West Bengal) on the sacred day of Makar Sankranti by dipping oneself into the river and then offering prayers at the Kapil Muni's temple.

How to reach?

By air-Kolkata airport, i.e., Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport.

By train-Sealdah South lines from Kolkata to Namkhana. Ferry cross available at Bakkhali to Sagar Island.

By road-Esplanade, Kolkata to Harwood point.

After the ferry crossing, catch the Kachuberia bus to reach the pilgrim destination.

Things to do in Gangasagar/Sagar Island

Sagar Island is known for its Mela, but there are many other tourist attractions you don't want to miss.

• Bakkhali Beach- A lesser-known uncommercialized beach is worth the visit. The silver sands with Casuarina trees are pure bliss.

-Directions- A bus ride from Kolkata to Namkhana, followed by a ferry ride.

• Frazerganj- The place spotted just 2 km north of Bakkhali, Frazerganj houses a vast wind energy farm that generates about 1MW of energy.

-Directions- A cycle van is a fun ride to reach Frazergunj from Bakkhali. You can opt for a direct landing from Kolkata as well.

• Kapil Muni Temple is an incomplete tour to Gangasagar Mela if you skip Kapil Muni Temple. The core reason for Gangasagar Mela lies in Kapil Muni's restored Ashram, where people offer prayers after the holy dip at the Gangotri to forgive one's sins.
• Onkarnath Temple- Yet another peaceful temple surrounded by luscious green trees at Sagardwip, Onkarnath temple is devoted to lord Onkar and his preaching.

If you are interested in participating in the upcoming Gangasagar Mela 2025, you can book a bus through redBus. redBus connects you to the pilgrim hostage comfortably from all over the country, On the upcoming auspicious day of Makar Sankranti. Booking a bus ticket online through redBus is the quickest and easiest. Download the redBus app or visit the redBus, India website to book your tickets and participate in Gangasagar Mela in Kolkata.