Gangasagar Mela 2025: All You Need to Know

Technology meets tradition in Gangasagar Mela 2025. From the use of drones to extended vessel service, the West Bengal government has taken multiple initiatives to assist Gangasagar pilgrims. Almost one crore devotees are expected to attend the second-largest Indian fair this year.

Know all rules, regulations and initiatives for this festival before you plan to take a dip at the holy event.

Gangasagar mela 2025: Important dates

This year the Gangasagar mela will be held from January 8 to 17 in Sagar island of South 24 Pargana. On 14th January, on the eve of Makar Sankranti, almost 10 million devotees are expected to take holy dips (Punya snan) at Gangasagar.

The historical and cultural significance of Gangasagar mela

Gangasagar Mela is held annually in Sagardwip where the river Ganga meets the Bay of Bengal. This festival signifies the mythological event of Goddess Ganga’s descent to Earth.

Gangasagar Mela is not only a sacred site for Hindus but it holds huge cultural significance as well. From cultural exchange to performances of rituals, folk music, and dance to spiritual purification in the form of holy dip, Sagarmela has stood out as a highly cherished spiritual event. Not to mention the economic impact of the fair.

Gangasagar mela 2025: Efforts and initiatives

The intensive use of technology and green initiatives has made Gangasagar Mela 2025 stand out from the previous years.

Top-notch security:

Apart from 14,000 policemen, civic volunteers, green police and disaster management department personnel have been deployed.
The fairground and the beach will be under strong surveillance by approximately 1,100 CCTV cameras and 22 drones. The number of watch towers has been raised to 45.

Transportation facility:

The West Bengal government has partnered with Oprey Waterways LLP to launch an AC Cruise Service from Diamond Harbour to Sagar Islands. It will reduce the time to almost 50% to cover the distance.
With 22 jetties, 2500 buses, 38 vessels and 72 special trains from Sealdah to Namkhana, every dimension of transportation has been covered.

Pilgrim welfare and beautification:

For the first time, drones will be used to carry food packets for pilgrims.
2500 civil defence and other volunteers have been deployed to assist the pilgrims.
More than 10,000 toilets have been constructed at the Mela premises.
Along with well-paved roads, and anti-fog street lights, the almost 30 km long road to Sagarmela has been well-decorated.
A “No Plastic” campaign has been launched by the District administration.
The devotees will be given a QR code to know in detail about the fair.
Even devotees will be allowed to get Kapil Muni Mandir Prasad and holy Gangajal with simple online booking.

The holy event was inaugurated by Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee on 8th January. She has announced a collection of initiatives against the backdrop of Gangasagar Mela 2025.

Millions of pilgrims from across India are going to visit Kapil Muni Ashram to cleanse their sins in the Ganga. Thankfully, the Gangasagar Mela of 2025 has gotten safer, sustainable and more technology-driven.

With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies