Gangasagar2017

Ganga Sagar Snan also known as Ganga Sagar Mela is the second largest fair in India after The Kumbha Mela ,celebrated in the state of West Bengal on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga drains into the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day when the Sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius and this place becomes home to vast fairs, drawing visitors and recluses from all over the country.

The fair is celebrated at Gangasagr of Sagar island situated in the District South 24 Paragans of West Bengal, where the holy river Ganga drains into the Bay of Bengal. It is believed that Ganga , guided by Prince Bhagirath ,entered the ocean at this point to wash the bones of the 60,000 sons of Sagara, in whose memory the island is held sacred. They were reportedly killed by a curse from sage Kapila. There is a common belief among the locals that the girls who take the holy dip get handsome grooms and the boys get beautiful brides. Ganga Sagar Snan Mela- the fair associated with snan, lasts for a week but proper Snan (Bath) and it's religious ceremonies start from a day prior to Makar Sankranti and end the day after. On Makar Sankranti day, devotees keep fast and worship Kapil Muni at his temple at 3 AM in morning with Maha Puja and Yagna and then bathe in the cold water of holy Ganges River to wash away their sins. After the bath Ganga Ma or the Goddess Ganga is worshipped. When they are done with the ritual obligations, they head towards the Kapilmuni Temple situated nearby, to worship the deity as a mark of respect.