Third-gender sadhus reach Gangasagar Mela for first time as 8.5 million take holy dip

The Gangasagar Mela witnessed a historic moment on Makar Sankranti as third-gender sadhus reached the pilgrimage site in an organised group for the first time, even as around 8.5 million devotees took a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the sea. The West Bengal government said pilgrims gathered in massive numbers to observe the auspicious ritual on Thursday morning.

A major highlight of this year’s mela was the establishment of a separate akhara for transgender sadhus. A total of 12 third-gender sadhus from the Juna Akhara arrived at Gangasagar, drawing significant attention from devotees. Earlier, transgender sadhus visited the fair individually, but this time they were formally accommodated with the support of other ascetic orders.

Officials said the flow of pilgrims remained steady throughout the day. According to the South 24 Parganas district administration, the auspicious bathing period continues until Thursday afternoon, and the total footfall is expected to touch nearly 10 million by night as devotees continue to arrive from across the state and outside Bengal.

The administration has put in place extensive arrangements to manage the influx. Facilities for drinking water, accommodation and medical care have been strengthened, with nearly 150 voluntary organisations and around 10,000 workers deployed to assist pilgrims round the clock. Authorities are monitoring the situation continuously to ensure smooth conduct of the mela.

Reports said one devotee from Assam died during the pilgrimage, while five others who fell ill were airlifted for advanced medical treatment. Meanwhile, Naga sadhus and other ascetics remained a major attraction, with some raising demands related to allowances and basic facilities such as electricity and drinking water at the fair.