Kolkata, 9 January (H.S.): With Makar Sankranti approaching, the annual Gangasagar Mela is witnessing a massive influx of pilgrims and sadhus from across the country. The West Bengal government has made extensive arrangements at the Outram Ghat Seva Camp in Kolkata, where thousands of saints and devotees have begun gathering before heading to Sagar Island. Meanwhile, central agencies have heightened security across the state to prevent any illegal activities during the grand religious fair.The Outram Ghat Seva Camp near Babughat has become a hub of spiritual activity, with saints from Haridwar, Prayagraj, and other pilgrimage centers engaging in devotional singing and prayers. A large number of Naga sadhus have also arrived and are expected to proceed to Gangasagar on January 10.As the sun sets, the camp transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle. Some saints sit in deep meditation beside sacred fires, while others lead groups of devotees in chanting and devotional music. Gyanaanand Maharaj, a saint from the Nath sect in Prayagraj, shared that he reached Kolkata on Wednesday and will depart for Gangasagar on Sunday. He also highlighted the significance of this year’s pilgrimage, stating that a Maha Kumbh is taking place after 144 years, making it an auspicious occasion. I shall go there after holy bath at Gangasagar.Similarly, Vivek Prakashanand Maharaj from Haridwar plans to leave for the mela site on Monday.Special ArrangementsThe West Bengal government has ramped up infrastructure and transportation facilities for the fair. The state transport department has deployed additional government buses and other services to ensure smooth travel for devotees. According to officials, around 3.2 million pilgrims attended last year’s mela, while this year’s footfall is expected to exceed 3.5 million.Heightened Security to Curb Illegal InfiltrationSecurity measures have been significantly tightened amid concerns of possible infiltration by Bangladeshi nationals. Intelligence agencies have alerted the state government about the potential risk of illegal entry through the dense crowd at Sagar Island in South 24 Parganas district.Sundarbans district police have intensified surveillance at key coastal entry points, including Lot No. 8 in Kakdwip and Chemaguri in Namkhana. A total of 13,000 police personnel have been deployed to manage security, with additional support from the Indian Coast Guard.Advanced Security Measures in PlaceTo ensure a safe and well-organized mela, more than 1,150 CCTV cameras have been installed across the venue. Officials stated that while security is reinforced every year, additional precautions are being taken this time. Intelligence sources indicate that ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh could lead to attempts of illegal infiltration during the fair.Auspicious Bathing Time on January 14The Gangasagar Mela commenced on January 8 and will continue until January 17. The most auspicious time for the holy dip falls between 6:58 AM on January 14 and 6:58 AM on January 15. Millions of devotees are expected to take the sacred plunge into the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal.With a surge in pilgrim arrivals and heightened security concerns, the state administration remains on high alert to ensure a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees.
Hindusthan Samachar / SP Singh
