South 24 Parganas (West Bengal) [India]: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while reviewing preparations for the upcoming Gangasagar Mela, accused the central government of favoritism by providing substantial financial support to Kumbh Mela while ignoring Gangasagar.
“The central government supports Kumbh Mela by giving crores of rupees, but they do not even look at Gangasagar. On one side of Gangasagar is Sundarban, on another side is the forest, then the sea, temples, and devotees. It is a truly amazing place,” Banerjee said while addressing a gathering in Gangasagar.
Banerjee highlighted her government’s efforts to ensure the smooth conduct of the event, which attracts thousands of devotees annually. “People have to come to Gangasagar by water. The central government should have built a bridge to facilitate access, but they failed to do so. Now, the state government has taken the initiative and invited tenders for constructing the bridge. Once completed, it will make the journey much more convenient,” she said.
The Chief Minister also assured that necessary coordination among various state departments had been undertaken to ensure a pleasant experience for devotees. “We have held meetings with all relevant departments, including the police, PWD, and PHE, and coordinated efforts to ensure that devotees do not face any problems,” she added.
The Gangasagar Mela, the second-largest religious fair in India after Kumbh Mela, is held annually around Makar Sankranti, which typically falls between January 14 and 15. Devotees flock to Sagardweep to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga River and the Bay of Bengal, a site revered as a major pilgrimage destination.
The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) for the Kumbh will occur on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami), attracting devotees and tourists alike.