Gangasagar Mela

January 10, 2022

The Gangasagar Mela started on January 10, 2022 in the which occurs at West Bengal’s Gangasagar Island. It will continue till January 16, 2022.

Key Facts

The Gangasagar Mela is organised during Makar Sankranti every year.
The mela is being organised after Calcutta high court gave a go-ahead to the government, to conduct the event by taking necessary covid-19 measures.
There was a major cry regarding its cancellation because of surge in covid-19 cases, amid Omicron variant outbreak.

How this event is marked?

On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, thousands of pilgrims, seers & tourists take a holy dip in the confluence of Ganga and Bay of Bengal, to mark this event. They also offer prayers at the Kapil Muni Temple.

Court’s concern

Calcutta high court showed concerns regarding the virus spreading because of oral and nasal droplets transmitting through river water after pilgrims take holy dips in the confluence. However, government reportedly informed in the court that residents of Sagar Island have taken both jabs of Covid-19 vaccine and test-positivity rate was under control. Furthermore, government is expecting the headcounts at annual pilgrimage below 5 lakhs.

High court’s instructions

High court has directed the state government for constituting a three-member panel containing the leader of opposition at the state assembly, chairman of West Bengal Human Rights Commission, and representative of the state. The panel will ensure compliance of Covid-19 measures in the Gangasagar Island.
State have been asked to ensure that all persons and pilgrims at the Gangasagar Mela ground wear masks, adhere to social distancing norms and use sanitisers.
Court instructed to set up five RT-PCR testing facilities along with some rapid antigen testing centres, at all entry points, including Howrah and Sealdah railway stations.

Gangasagar

Gangasagar is a village and a gram panchayat, in the jurisdiction of the Sagar police station in Sagar CD block of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. It has an average elevation of 4 metres.

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