Gangasagar Revisited

Kapil Munir Ashram

Gangasagar, an un-spoilt beach on the estuary of the river Ganges, also known as Sagardwip, is a place of Hindu Pilgrimage. This large island is known for Temple of Kapil Muni (who was accordingly to mythology, Lord Bishnu). As per mythology king Sagar’s grandson, king Bhagirath, came to Kapil Muni and begged Him to release the soul of 60,000 sons of King Sagar, who were burnt to ashes by the Muni as they unknowingly blamed Him for stealing their father's Sacrificial Horse. Kapil Muni kindly ordered Bhagirath to bring Ganga to this place and with the touch of this Holy River's water, their souls were liberated. It was performed on the date of Makar Sankranti. So, this day is observed as a day of great religious importance in Hinduism and like every other year, this year also around 2 million pilgrims across India and few also from abroad accumulated here to take a holy bath in the river Ganga. This time, our tour was inspired by my elder brother - Partha Bhattacharyya, we two had a great time their. Here goes few pictures we captured during Sagar Mela.

Journey Starts Me with Brother Er Partha Bhattacharyya

On Launch from Lot 8 ( Harwood Point to Kachuberia)

Views of Sun on the horizon from the Launch Boat

Illuminated Temple of Kapil Muni

Kapil Muni

A close look reveals anger on His eyes as he got furious on 60,000 sons of King Sagar after they accused him of stealing the Sacrificial Horse of their father.

Beautiful Floral Decoration

Sea Beach Sagar

Sagar Mela 2019

 

Stall on Sagar Mela 2019

GODAN - Donate the Holy Cow Ritual

Pilgrims taking shelter on Temporary Hogla Hut constructed on Sea Beach

Cooking Grand Lunch, Sagar Mela 2019

IN the long queue for offering PUJA to Kapil Muni

Returning from Kachuberia to Lot 8 on Launch

A view of Sagarmela 2019!

Journey Details:-

From Kolkata to Lot 8 (Harwood Point) following National Highway - Appx. 3 hours - 90 km

From Lot 8 to Kachuberia by Launch Boat or Vessel - Appx. 45 minutes - 5 km

From Kachuneria to Sagar Mela on road - Appx. 1 hour journey - 30 km

 

Tourist Amenities:-

Gathering of around 2 million pilgrims well monitored by Civic Administration.

Good arrangement of Drinking Water, Bio Toilet, Foods and ample nos of temporary Hoogla Hut constructed everywhere on the island. Facility of emergency services like Bank, ATM, Ambulance, Sagar Hospital available.

Civic Volunteers and administrations keep a strong vigil on pilgrims' movements as well as towards provision for basic infrastructure and intervened promptly to resolve any issue including hospitalization of severely ill pilgrims.

SOUNDS Great? You may witness yourself in the next year!