13,000 police officers, CCTV in place as thousands flock to Gangasagar for Makar Sankranti

Thousands of pilgrims have gathered at Gangasagar for the Makar Sankranti festival, with many arriving early to take part in the ritual bath in the Ganga. The holy dip, observed on the day of Makar Sankranti, is considered to bring spiritual purification and moksha. Pilgrims are participating in the rituals at Babughat and several other points along the river. The devotees are also offering prayers to the Sun, which is an integral part of the Makar Sankranti observance.

To ensure safety and manage the large crowd, the district administration has implemented extensive security measures. A total of 13,000 police officers have been deployed across the area. The administration has also installed numerous CCTV cameras along key spots and is monitoring the entire event from a Mega Control Room. The surveillance system spans from Kolkata's Outram Ghat to Gangasagar to ensure smooth crowd management and public safety.

The Makar Sankranti festival is part of the larger Gangasagar Mela, which attracts millions of pilgrims each year. Between January 1 and 12, approximately 42 lakh people have visited Gangasagar, participating in the holy rituals. The number of visitors is expected to increase significantly on Makar Sankranti day. Many pilgrims chose to perform the rituals early to avoid the crowds expected on the actual day of the festival. In addition to the dip, pilgrims are visiting the Kapil Muni temple, which is another important religious site in the area.

The Gangasagar Mela is not only a religious event but also a large-scale logistical undertaking. The administration has made provisions for medical services, food, transport, and crowd management to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. Temporary shelters, toilets, and first-aid stations have been set up across the site. The local administration continues to monitor the situation and is prepared to handle the expected surge in pilgrim numbers throughout the day, with all safety protocols in place to manage the event smoothly.