Gangasagar, located at the confluence of the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal, is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially during the Makar Sankranti festival. Pilgrims travel to this site annually to take a holy dip in the river, believing it will absolve them of their sins and grant spiritual merit. The festival attracts an estimated 10 to 12 lakh pilgrims each year. However, a concerning practice has been observed, where some pilgrims reportedly leave their elderly parents, often in the final stages of life, on the shore while they perform the ritual.
These elderly individuals are left without proper care and supervision, in many cases with little support, as their children proceed with their religious activities. The government and local authorities are aware of the issue and have issued warnings to pilgrims about their responsibilities toward their parents. Measures such as increased police presence and volunteer support are being implemented at Gangasagar to ensure that the elderly are provided with necessary care and are not left in harmful or vulnerable conditions. Despite these efforts, the practice continues to raise ethical concerns and has led to calls for stronger regulation at the pilgrimage site.