Gangasagar Mela is an annual pilgrim fair held on Gangasagar or Sagardwip Island in the Sunderban area of West Bengal. The island marks the estuary of the river Ganges where it meets the Bay of Bengal, hence the name Gangasagar. The fair takes place in mid-January for three days over Makar Sankranti (the period marking the start of the sun’s northward journey or uttarayan for six months). The Gangasagar pilgrimage is the second largest pilgrimage in India after the Kumbh Mela.

The convergence of the river and sea is believed to be holy in nature. Every year, people travel from all over India and outside to Gangasagar, to take a dip in the holy waters and offer puja in the Kapil Muni temple. Pilgrims take a dip in the holy waters during this time with the hope to attain moksha. These are only some of the aspects that annually bring scores of pilgrims to the island shores.

The legends associated with this land go back to ancient times and are in fact associated with the origin myth of the mighty river Ganges. The Gangasagar mela offers a delectable range of food for the winter. Makar Sankranti also marks the start of the harvest season making this a special time for agricultural communities, many of whom offer worship to the sun, including at the Gangasagar mela. The mela is also witness to beautiful aartis in the evening, with diyas (earthen lamps) being lit and floated onto the river.