Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

Today is Makar Sankranti. More than 4 lakh devotees taken the holy dip on the Gangasagar at Sagar Island 180 Kms from Kolkata. Last night rituals with fire was performed and before the dip, rituals on the water also performed. Then, lakhs of pilgrims took holy dip on Gangasagar. -- A. B.

Tens of thousands of devotees have assembled at the Sagar Island in West Bengal to take a dip tomorrow early morning in the Ganga where it flows out into the Bay of Bengal on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The state government has made elaborate arrangements for the annual Gangasagar fair began today. Over four lakh devotees have reached the island with around 20,000 more waiting on the other side of the river Buriganga. As there is no Kumbh Mela this year, the number of pilgrims is likely to increase. About 150 km from Kolkata in South 24-Parganas district, this island is considered auspicious by the Hindus, who gather here on Makar Sankranti, which is annually celebrated Jan 14, for a holy dip and to pray by offering coconuts at the Kapil Muni temple. The devout believe that a single dip in the sacred water washes off sins of one's lifetime. This year, the pilgrims will take the holy dip on Sunday too. A three-pronged security arrangement has been ma...