Ganga Sagar Mela

14 January 2023

Religious

Sagardwip, West Bengal

31°C / Clouds

India is a beautiful land layered with several aspects right from religious beliefs to some of the most prominent architectural wonders. Thus, truly, a visit to India can be one enchanting travel experience for anyone. Taking a cue from the beliefs and spirituality, it is also and perhaps the only place which introduced a whole string of yogis and saints from Rama Krishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda to Paramhansa Yogananda to the whole world.

If you consider yourself a devotee by heart then, India is no less than a colorful fest, full of various festivals that lets you witness the glorious heritage of India and at the same time seek your own truth. One such prominent fair and festival in India, that is second to Kumbh Mela in terms of popularity, is the Ganga Sagar Mela held in Sagardwip, West Bengal.

This particular Mela (fair) carries a great deal of spiritual significance as it witnesses a large number of spiritual devotees who pour in to take a dip in the sacred waters of the holy river Ganges at Sagardwip from where it finally merges into the Bay of Bengal. Going by the Ganga Sagar Mela History, people believe that it was right at this place that Kapila Muni had helped King Bhagirath liberate the souls of his ancestors.

Best Time to Visit Ganga Sagar Mela 2023

The Ganga Sagar Mela is celebrated on the pious day of Makar Sankranti which usually falls between January 14th-January 15th every year. This is also the time when Sun makes its transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius; it is believed that taking a dip in the waters of the holy Ganges during this time can help a person attain salvation.

History of Ganga Sagar Mela

130 km away from Kolkata lies the temple of the famous Saint, Kapil Muni. It is considered to be a very sacred place and devotees visit the temple in large numbers. There is a story behind this temple and how this mela started. Sage Kapil Muni is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Once the famous King Sagar was conducting Ashwamedha Yagya as a mark of victory over the world. The Lord of Heavens, King Indra stole the sacrificial horse. He tied the horse in the pataal lok out of jealousy near to Kapil Muni’s Ashram. When King Sagar’s sons came to fetch the horse and found it close to Kapil Muni’s ashram and mistook him as a thief. Kapil Muni was angered by this false allegation. He cursed the boys and turned them into ashes. Bhagirath, the grandson of King Sagar meditated for years and requested River Ganges to flow down over the ashes of his ancestors. Holy Ganges accepted this request and came down cascading from the heavens and washed over the ashes of King Sagar’s boys’ ashes. The souls of the boys got salvation. Today, millions of people reach Sagar Islands and take holy dip in the confluence of the sea and River Ganges to attain salvation and get freedom from old sins. Devotees offer their prayers on Makar Sankranti and since then, Ganga Sagar Mela started.

Major Attractions Of Ganga Sagar Mela 2023

1. A Grand Spiritual Affair

For anyone who is even a little bit inclined towards spirituality is surely going to like this opulent affair of all things spiritual and religious. For instance, after taking a dip in the holy Ganges, which is the main purpose of the mela, the tourists and devotees also visit the temple of Kapil Muni.

2. Explore Sagardwip Island

This island is quite a significant place in terms of its spiritual importance. For any spiritual believer/devotee this would be a great opportunity to witness the spiritual fervor of this magnanimous culture, distilled over hundreds and thousands of years to this point in time.

3. Get to Interact with Naga Sadhus

As the Ganga Sagar Mela is visited by huge crowds of Naga Sadhus, there is a high probability that you may get an opportunity to interact and know their way of living and rituals performed during the whole fair. Smeared with ash, these sadhus are no less than an attraction point for this mela itself.

Places to Visit When Attending Ganga Sagar Mela 2023

Bakkhali Beach

When attending the mela at Sagar Island, do not miss out visiting Bakkhali Beach. It is untouched by commercialisation and ready to be explored. Tall, swaying Casuarina trees and vast expanse of silvery sands make this beach spectacular.

Kapil Muni Temple

A visit to Ganga Sagar Mela is incomplete if you fail to visit the famous Kapil Muni Temple. Devotees visit this temple to offer their prayers and get exonerated from their sins.

Frazerganj

It is a popular wind energy farm 2 km away from Bakkhali. It generates 1 megawatt energy.

Onkarnath Temple

It is a lovely temple nestled amidst serene and peaceful environs. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple attracts a large number of devotees every year.

How To Reach Sagardwip For Ganga Sagar Festival 2023

One of the most popular events and festivals in India, Ganga Sagar Mela is celebrated at Sagardwip which is situated at a distance of about 1,652, 2,116, 1,907 km from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru respectively. Here are the details on how you can travel to this place via the following means of public transport.

Nearest Airport from Ganga Sagar. Kolkata International Airport
Nearest City. Kolkata
Distance From Kolkata. 117.1 Km

By Air

Deboard at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Airport (CCU) which is situated at a distance of 115-125 km from Sagardwip. The airport is very well routed with all the major Indian cities via connecting and direct flights. Once you deboard at the airport, consider booking some means of public transportation to continue your journey further.

Distance from Airport. 115-125 Km

By Train

If planning to travel via train, then you will need to deboard at the Kolkata Chitpur Railway Station (KOAA). This station is well connected with nearby regions and cities and from the railway station, you can easily book some means of public transport to reach your destination.

Distance from the Railway Station. 128 Km

By Road

Considering your geographical location you can definitely travel to this place via road networks as well. You will first need to travel to Kakdwip and from there cross the Muriganga River via boat and reach Kachuberia. From where you will further need to board a bus towards Gangasagar.