Kolkata, January 8 – The much-anticipated Gangasagar Mela 2025 has officially commenced with preparations in full swing, setting the stage for a grand spiritual gathering. The Chief Minister is set to inaugurate the fair tomorrow, January 9, at 5 PM from Millennium Park. While the primary event takes place at Sagardwip, the heart of Kolkata is already pulsating with a mini-version of the Mela at Babughat, the key transit point for pilgrims heading to Gangasagar.
Babughat, transformed into a vibrant hub of spirituality, is hosting around 1 lakh pilgrims and saints over seven days. The West Bengal government has taken proactive measures to ensure a smooth and hygienic experience for the visitors. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has ramped up sanitation efforts under the leadership of Mayor Firhad Hakim, with Deputy Mayor Atin Ghosh and Mayor-in-Council member Debashis Kumar overseeing operations at the transit camp. Additional garbage collection teams have been deployed to maintain cleanliness, ensuring the area remains welcoming for the throngs of devotees.
Seamless Transportation for Pilgrims
To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims, the state has rolled out an impressive transportation plan. Transport Minister Snehashish Chakraborty announced the deployment of 2,250 government buses, 500 private buses, 32 vessels, 100 launches, 21 jetties, and 4 barges from key transit points like Millennium Park and Lot 8. GPS tracking will be implemented to monitor vehicle movements, ensuring timely service and security for travelers.
In a significant move, Eastern Railway has scheduled 71 additional trains on the Howrah-Sealdah-Namkhana route during the Mela. These extra services will facilitate hassle-free travel for devotees commuting to the sacred site. A comprehensive ticketing system has also been introduced, providing seamless connectivity with a single counter ticket that covers travel from Babughat to Sagardwip via Kakdwip and Kachuberia.
Mega Control Room and Volunteer Support
A mega control room has been established to oversee the event and address any issues promptly. Additionally, volunteers known as Sagarbandhus will be stationed at various points to assist pilgrims from different states, offering guidance and ensuring their needs are met.
Sacred Rituals and Spiritual Highlights
The highlight of Gangasagar Mela, the Makar Sankranti holy dip or Punyasnan, will take place from 6:58 AM on January 14 to 6:58 AM on January 15. This sacred ritual is expected to draw millions of devotees who seek spiritual purification by bathing at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal.
With meticulous planning and divine fervor, Gangasagar Mela 2025 is poised to be a monumental celebration of faith, culture, and community. The state’s comprehensive arrangements reflect it
