Gangasagar Mela: Essay and Important Questions

By Anirban Saha

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Gangasagar Mela is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India. It is celebrated on Sagar Island during the Makar Sankranti every year.

It was a difficult place to reach GangaSagar earlier. But now, due to development by the West Bengal Government, it is much easier to reach Gangasagar Mela.

So, there is a well-known quote,

“Sob tirtha Barbar, Gangasagar Ekbar”.

What is Gangasagar Mela?

Gangasagar Mela (Ganga Sagar Mela) is an annual religious fair on the banks of the Ganges River. Every year in West Bengal, India, where the Bhagirathi River joins the Ganges. The festival lasts for a month and is attended by millions of Hindus. 

Hindus believe that bathing in the waters of the Ganges cleanses the soul and washes away sins. The festival is held in honour of the Hindu Lord Shiva. 

People who attend the Mela make a pilgrimage to Gangasagar. The town is hundreds of miles away from Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, and other major cities in India.

Why is Gangasagar Mela celebrated?

For spiritual reasons, people visit Gangasagar Mela. Gangasagar Mela is a Hindu festival held every year in Kolkata, and it is held in honour of Goddess Ganga. 

She is the goddess of purity, and she is worshipped. People from all over India come to Gangasagar Mela to worship the goddess.

Ganga Sagar, Kapil Muni Ashram, Photo Credit: Sourav BapuliCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

They pray that she takes the sins away and brings them peace. Hindus believe that Ganga lives in the Himalayas at the bottom of the sea, and people who take a dip in the waters of the Ganges have their sins washed away.

What is special in Gangasagar?

The Gangasagar Mela is the largest congregation of humanity globally, and the biggest religious festival globally celebrated with great enthusiasm by the devotees of Lord Shiva.

The festival takes place on the banks of the Ganges River in West Bengal, India, at the end of Pousha, a month of high tide when the river’s waters recede to the lowest level in its cycle. It is also known as the Poush Sankranti or Makar Sankranti festival.

Also, the presence of Kapil Muni Ashram makes it a special and pilgrimage place worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. After taking a bath in the River Ganga, people head to the temple to pray.

In which state Gangasagar Mela is held?

Gangasagar Mela is held in the State of West Bengal. It is one of the largest religious festivals in India, which the West Bengal government organizes.

Where is the Gangasagar fair located?

It takes place at Sagar Island of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. 

Which state government has decided to provide the holy water of Ganga Sagar through an app?

The West Bengal State Government has decided to provide the holy water of Ganga Sagar through an app Sagar Bandhu and the official website gangasagar.in.

Which district is Gangasagar?

Gangasagar is in the South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal.

Where is Sagardwip located?

According to Wiki, Sagardwip or Sagar Island is located 50 Km south of Kolkata in the Bay of Bengal. 

Sagardwip location

How can I go to Gangasagar by train?

To go to Gangasagar by train, you need to reach the nearby station from Sealdah, Kakdwip, or Namkhana. From there, you need to take a vessel that would take you to Sagar Island.

The Train is available every hour from Sealdah South Section.

Can I take my car to Ganga Sagar?

Yes, you can take your car to Gangasagar and cross the river by Vessel. However, you need to check if any restrictions are applicable before travelling by car.

On which festival Gangasagar fair is held, what do people celebrate on this day?

Ganga Sagar Fair is held during the Makar Sankranti Festival every year.

Which festival is held every year on the Sagar Island in West Bengal during Makar Sankranti?

The festival held every year on the Sagar Island in West Bengal during Makar Sankranti is Ganga Sagar Mela.

Which is the nearest station for Gangasagar?

The nearest station for Gangasagar is Kakdwip or Namkhana, which you can travel from Sealdah. After that, you need to cross the river by Vessel.

The nearest station to reach Gangasagar

What is the train number of Gangasagar Express?

The Train number of Gangasagar Express is 13186.

Anirban Saha
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