Gangasagar, 14th January: On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, a massive surge of devotees was witnessed at Gangasagar, with lakhs of pilgrims arriving from different parts of the country to take a holy dip at the sacred confluence. Since early Wednesday morning, devotees braved the biting cold to perform the ritual bath, marking one of the most significant religious events in the region. Heavy footfall was also seen at the Kapil Muni Ashram, where devotees gathered in large numbers to offer prayers.
To manage the influx of pilgrims and ensure their safety, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across the mela grounds. This year, the Gangasagar Mela has introduced water drones, also known as rescue drones, for the first time. These drones are being used to monitor the coastline and assist in swift rescue and relief operations during emergencies. In addition, a dedicated control room has been set up to oversee crowd management and security measures.
Overall, due to heightened administrative vigilance and robust arrangements, the holy dip and religious rituals at Gangasagar have been proceeding peacefully so far.