Gangasagar Mela 2026 from January 8; Bengal gears up for record pilgrim turnout

The Gangasagar Mela 2026 is set to begin on January 8, with the South 24 Parganas district administration anticipating a record turnout of pilgrims this year. Officials believe the absence of the Kumbh Mela will lead to an unusually large gathering on the banks of the Ganga at Gangasagar.

To assess preparedness, State Irrigation Minister Manas Ranjan Bhuiyan visited Sagardeep on Monday and reviewed arrangements on the ground. Senior district officials, including BDO Kanaiya Kumar Rao, accompanied the minister during inspections at key locations such as Kachuberia Point and Gangasagar Point.

The focus of the review remained on infrastructure and river connectivity, particularly the dredging of the Muriganga River and the construction of a temporary jetty. After holding detailed discussions with administrative and engineering teams, the minister returned to Kolkata on Tuesday.

The Irrigation Minister said dredging work is currently underway at an estimated cost of around ₹30 crore. The desilting operation aims to ensure smooth and safe movement of pilgrims during the fair, which is expected to draw lakhs of devotees from across the country.