Gangasagar witnesses massive influx of pilgrims for Makar Sankranti holy dip

Millions of devotees gathered at Gangasagar to take a holy dip on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, seeking spiritual merit. Tradition holds that the River Ganga touched the ashes of King Sagar’s 60,000 sons at Sage Kapil’s ashram during the Treta Yuga, granting them salvation. Pilgrims have followed this ritual for centuries.

The main bathing period coincides with the Sun entering the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Mahant Gyan Das of the Kapil Muni Ashram stated that the auspicious time began Wednesday night at 9:19 pm and will continue until 1:20 pm on Thursday. Devotees started arriving from early Wednesday morning to perform the holy bath at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal.

Authorities deployed over 10,000 personnel from police, civil defence, home guards, the Navy, and the Coast Guard to manage the massive crowd. Officials estimated that more than 3 million pilgrims reached Gangasagar this year, with around 15 lakh already taking the holy dip. Pilgrims came from across India and abroad to participate in the event.

Amid the throng, devotees maintained order while performing rituals at the confluence. The festival not only reinforces religious faith but also continues to be a major cultural gathering, drawing people of all ages to celebrate Makar Sankranti with devotion and discipline.