Millions Take a Holy Dip at Gangasagar Mela on Makar Sankranti
Over 65 lakh pilgrims gather at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal
On the eve of Makar Sankranti, thousands of pilgrims from all over the nation dipped into the sacred waters at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal early on Monday, according to a top state government official.
The gathering this year is above 65 lakhs, but so far just few lakhs have taken the holy plunge, he said, adding that the pilgrims also offered prayers at the Kapil Muni Temple.
On Makar Sankranti, thousands of people gather in Gangasagar to bathe and worship at the Kapil Muni Temple each year.
The state government has reinforced the security measures at Sagar Island due to the large gathering of pilgrims.
In addition to state police, members of the Coast Guard, NDRF, and SDRF have been dispatched with the equipment needed to handle any situation.
The state minister for power and sports, Aroop Biswas, told reporters here on Sunday that since the fair opened on January 8, about 65 lakh pilgrims had come to Gangasagar Mela as by Sunday midday.
About 1,100 CCTV cameras and 22 drones are monitoring the carnival, which is across the expansive coastline, according to Biswas.
According to him, 14,000 police officers have been sent out, 45 watchtowers have been erected, pilgrims are being transported to Sagar Island by 36 boats, 100 launches, and 6 barges via 22 jetties, and the Muriganga River now has 300 fog lights.
