Top 5 best places to visit in Gangasagar 2024 Gangasagar in West Bengal is a special place where the Ganges River meets the Bay of Bengal. People go there for the Gangasagar fair and because it’s important for their religion. The Kapil Muni Temple, the lighthouse, and the peaceful beach are famous spots. The beach is great for thinking and celebrating. Gangasagar is a perfect mix of faith and beautiful nature, attracting both religious people and those who love nature. If you want to explore it, read on to find the best places to visit.
Best time to visit Gangasagar in 2024
The Importance of Gangasagar Yatra for Hindus is deeply rooted in its historical and religious heritage. This sacred pilgrimage, which involves a holy bath in the holy waters of Gangasagar, has its origins in the times of Mahabharata and revered figures like Bhishma. For Hindus, it is a revered practice, a means of purifying the soul and getting rid of impurities.
Gangasagar pilgrimage has been an enduring tradition for centuries, firmly embedded in Indian religious practices. This is a proof of the unwavering faith and devotion of countless devotees. Among the grand religious events of India, the Gangasagar Mela holds a prominent place as the second largest fair, second only to the Kumbh Mela in terms of the number of pilgrims.
At a time when road connectivity was rudimentary, a saying was coined: “Sab Tirtha Baar Baar, Gangasagar Ekbar,” which roughly translates to “You can visit other Tirthas again and again, but Gangasagar is once in a life.” It’s a journey.” This saying underlines the difficult nature of Gangasagar pilgrimage in the past. However, with modern development and better infrastructure, it has evolved into a more accessible and enjoyable excursion, often completed in just a day or two from Kolkata.
Gangasagar Mela 2024 West Bengal
Gangasagar Mela is held every year from 13 to 15 January, Gangasagar Mela 2024 attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. The enthusiasm and devotion displayed by these pilgrims during the event is truly remarkable. The central ritual of Gangasagar Yatra or Ganga Snan takes place during Makar Sankranti, as devotees take a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganga in the morning while worshiping Lord Surya. This act is believed to absolve the pilgrim of his sins and provide a deeply spiritual and Transformative experience.
How to visit Gangasagar
Ganga Sagar Mela (2024), also known as Ganga Sagar Yatra or Ganga Snan, a pilgrimage of Hindu pilgrims to the sacred river Ganges before it merges into the Bay of Bengal during Makar Sankranti at Sagar Island or Sagardeep Is performed. There is an annual meeting. Bengal, India. The date of Ganga Sagar Mela 2024 is 15 January.
People take holy bath on 13 January and 15 January. The Gangasagar fair starts a day before Sankranti and ends the next day. Hindu pilgrims from India and around the world arrive at Sagar Island for the sacred entry into the sacred waters of the River Ganges before it merges into the Bay of Bengal.
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How to reach Gangasagar
For Gangasagar tour departing from Kolkata, whether you opt for car or train travel, it is imperative to consider these important factors to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience:
By car: Start your journey from Kolkata and head south along the Diamond Harbor Road (NH-12), covering a distance of about 90 kilometers to Harwood Point near Kakdwip.
- At Harwood Point, you will find ferry services that will take you to Kachuberia, located at the northern end of Gangasagar Island. The Panchayat Samiti maintains a designated parking area near the ferry terminal.
- The boat ride lasts for about 3.5 kilometres, crossing a tributary of the Ganga River, locally known as the Hooghly River or Muriganga River, before reaching Kachuberia.
- From Kachuberia, you can avail private cars or buses to complete the remaining 32 km journey to the pilgrimage site Sagardweep.
- On reaching the Teerth parking area, you will find the Kapil Muni Temple located at a distance of about 200 meters, while the Gangasagar Sangam is about 700 meters from there.
By train and ferry: Trains run on the Sealdah South Line, which departs from Kolkata and passes through Kakdweep before reaching Namkhana.
- At Namkhana, you can catch a ferry from Bakkhali, which will take you across the Muriganga tributary (Channel Creek) to Sagar Island (Gangasagar).
- On reaching Sagar Island, you will have to use local transport options to reach Sangam, temples and other pilgrimage sites.
It is important to note that, regardless of your choice of car or train travel, it is essential to start the journey as early in the morning as possible. Travelers often face delays to the island, where ferry services may be suspended due to low tide. To ensure a seamless Gangasagar journey from Kolkata or Howrah, it is advised to start planning your journey early. Additionally, you can contact local authorities for the latest ferry schedules to stay informed about any changes or disruptions.
Top Best Places to visit in Gangasagar 2024
Sagar Beach
Sagar Beach is situated at the tip of Sagardweep, popularly known as Gangasagar among most of the pilgrims around the world. This beach is filled with millions of tourists every year when they head to Sagardweep for a holy dip in the Ganges. Apart from being part of an iconic religious pilgrimage, the pristine beach is a tranquil, soothing place to enjoy the sunset.
Gangasagar is part of one of the stunning river islands, located at the southernmost tip of the Gangetic plain, just off the Bengal coast and at the point where the Ganges River meets the Bay of Bengal. Gangasagar is a place of beauty as well as religious importance. Home to some of the most stunning beaches, it is famous for hosting one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the world, the Gangasagar Fair. During fair days, the island becomes a mix of culture and faith. Apart from being a place for religion, Gangasagar is also a place of peace, tranquility, relaxation and rejuvenation. Every year in January, during Makar Sankranti, the island sees a huge crowd of devotees from all parts of the country who come to take a dip in the holy waters.
Sagardweep
The primary highlight of Sagardweep is the renowned temple dedicated to Saint Kapil Muni, which attracts pilgrims from all over. After taking a sacred dip in the waters, devotees make it a point to visit the temple to pay their respects to the deity. Unfortunately, a devastating typhoon in the 1960s caused significant damage to five temples, including the Kapil Muni temple. However, out of all the temples, only the Kapil Muni temple was restored and renovated. According to belief, after attaining enlightenment, Kapil Muni returned to impart divine wisdom on achieving Nirvana to his mother. As a result, people seek solace in worshipping Kapil Muni, seeking liberation from their transgressions and sins.
There is a lighthouse near the beach in Sagardweep. The lighthouse gives you a beautiful view of the surrounding area and is open for tourists to visit. Also, for all those photography enthusiasts, this lighthouse is a perfect place to click pictures of this earthy town.
Bharat Seva Ashram
Bharat Seva Ashram is a small ashram in Gangasagar run by a non-profit trust. The ashram has a small temple and provides accommodation to pilgrims and guests. The Ashram is one of the most reliable places to stay for affordable rooms during the Gangasagar Mela.
Omkarnath Temple
Omkarnath Temple is another very sacred temple in Gangasagar. This temple is dedicated to Lord Omkar and his teachings. Situated amidst beautiful greenery, the environment of this temple is very peaceful. There is very little crowd here and one can pray here peacefully at one’s own pace.
Bakkhali
Bakkhali is a small crescent shaped beach town situated on one of the most beautiful delta islands of southern Bengal under Namkhana block. The beach is spread over an area of 8 km, providing one of the most beautiful views of sunrise and sunset. Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Bakkhali Sea Beach offers a tranquil environment for reflection. Bishalakshmi Temple is an important place, situated at the end of the beach.
Sajnekhaali
Sajnekhali serves as the entrance to the Sundarbans and hosts the main office of the forest department, covering approximately 6,110 hectares in the Gosaba block. The watchtowers are particularly popular, being close to resorts in the Sundarban region. The Sajnekhali Watch Tower offers a breathtaking view of the Sundarbans, making it a natural delight. Within the tower complex, there’s a nature interpretation centre, a Bono Bibi temple, and a crocodile park. According to the 2004 government census, 27 tigers have been observed in the area. Besides tigers, the Sajnekhali forest is home to fishing cats, wild boars, macaques, flying foxes, chitals, pangolins, and various other animals. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy sightings of seven colourful kingfisher species, white-bellied sea eagles, plovers, lapwings, cormorants, whimpers, sandpipers, and occasionally pelicans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Gangasagar Fair celebrated?
It is said that the importance of Gangasagar has been seen since the Mahabharata period. If it is to be believed, then the importance of bathing in the ocean was explained to Bhishma by a learned sage.
What is Gangasagar Fair Place?
Gangasagar fair is celebrated every year during Makar Sankranti festival in Sagardweep (Sea Island).
Where is Gangasagar located?
Gangasagar, also known as Sagar Island, is located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India. It is situated on the Ganges delta, where the holy river Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal.
Why is Gangasagar considered a holy place?
Gangasagar is considered a holy place because it is believed to be the spot where King Bhagiratha performed intense penance to bring the sacred river Ganges from heaven to earth to cleanse the sins of his ancestors. It is also considered auspicious to take a dip at Gangasagar during the holy festival of Makar Sankranti.