SAGAR ISLAND, WEST BENGAL – The southern tip of Bengal has transformed into a spiritual fortress as the Gangasagar Mela 2026 officially commenced this week. On this Sunday, January 11, the island is already witnessing a massive influx of devotees, with the West Bengal government deploying an unprecedented array of high-tech safety measures to manage what is expected to be a record-breaking congregation.

_{^{Gangasagar / Photo : Sudip Chanda}}

In a move to modernize the pilgrimage, the state has introduced high-speed remote-controlled lifebuoy drones. These water drones, capable of towing up to 1,000 kg, can reach distressed swimmers at a speed of seven meters per second – significantly faster than human rescuers.

To prevent the tragedy of lost family members, the administration is issuing QR-coded waterproof wristbands to children and elderly pilgrims. These bands store essential contact data, allowing “Sagar Bandhu” volunteers to quickly reunite families in the dense crowds.

_{^{Sagar Bandhu at Gangasagar Mela / Photo : Sudip Chanda}}

A major highlight of this year’s mela was the recent foundation stone laying of the Gangasagar Setu. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched this ₹1,670-crore project just days ago. Once the 5-km bridge is completed, it will link Kakdwip to Sagar Island, ending the era of long, tide-dependent ferry waits for millions of pilgrims. The spiritual peak of the festival is set for January 14. While many devotees begin their “Punya Snan” (holy dip) as early as 3:00 AM, the primary astronomical moment of Makar Sankranti – when the Sun enters the zodiac of Capricorn – occurs at 3:13 PM on Wednesday. After the dip, devotees stand waist-deep in water to offer Arghya (water offerings) to the rising Sun, chanting the Gayatri Mantra to thank the solar deity for the return of warmth and life.

Following the dip at the confluence of the River Ganges and the Bay of Bengal, pilgrims are flocking to the Kapil Muni Temple. Despite a minor fire incident on Friday that gutted several temporary “hogla” (straw) huts near Bathing Ghat No. 2, the administration confirmed there were no casualties, and safety protocols have been further tightened.

_{^{Punya Snan at Gangasagar / Photo : Sudip Chanda}}

Once purified by the sea, the sea of humanity flows toward the Kapil Muni Temple. The temple commemorates the Vedic sage whose “holy anger” liberated the ancestors of King Bhagirath.

• Mahapuja: The head priest performs a special Mahapuja on the morning of January 15, where offerings of vermilion, sandalwood, and fruits are made to the idols of Ganga, Kapil Muni, and King Sagar.
• Sagar Aarti: In 2026, the administration has organized a grand Maha Sagar Aarti on the beach. Similar to the famous aartis in Varanasi, priests swing massive multi-tiered lamps in a synchronized dance, reflecting golden light across the dark waves of the Bay of Bengal.

_{^{Kapil Muni Temple / Photo : Sudip Chanda}}

A unique and poignant ritual at the mela is Baitarani Paar. In Hindu eschatology, the Baitarani is a terrifying river that souls must cross after death. At the mela, pilgrims symbolically “cross” this river by holding the tail of a cow (often represented by a small calf or a symbolic effigy) while a priest chants mantras, believing this act will ease their soul’s final journey. As night falls on January 14, the ritual of Deep Daan begins. Devotees light thousands of small earthen lamps (diyas) and set them afloat on the water. By 7:00 PM, the coastline appears as if the stars have descended onto the ocean, a ritual meant to light the path for wandering souls and bring prosperity to the household.

_{^{Deep Dan at Gangasagar / Photo : Sudip Chanda}}

Quick Ritual Schedule for January 14–15, 2026

• January 14 (3:13 PM): Commencement of Maha Punya Kaal (The most auspicious time).
• January 14 (Evening): First Maha Sagar Aarti on the beach.
• January 15 (Early Morning): Peak Punya Snan and Pitru Tarpan.
• January 15 (9:00 AM onwards): Crowds peak for Darshan at Kapil Muni Temple.

Traveler’s Advisory : The Eastern Railway has scaled up operations, running 126 special trains from Sealdah to Kakdwip and Namkhana. Heavy fog remains a concern for ferry services; however, the installation of high-intensity fog lights along the Muriganga channel has significantly reduced night-time transit delays.