Ganga Sagar Snan

Ganga Sagar Snan, also famous as ‘Ganga Sagar Mela’ or ‘Ganga Sagar Yatra’ is a significant gathering of the Hindu pilgrims during the auspicious time of ‘Makar Sankranti’. It is an annual observance that takes place at the Sagar Island or ‘Sagardweep’ in the state of West Bengal. Hindu devotees in thousands of number gather at this place to take a holy dip in Ganga River before She merges in the Bay of Bengal. During the Ganga Sagar Snan, a biggest fair is organized that fetches devotees from each and every corner of the country. The Ganga Sagar fair starts few days before and ends one day after Sankranti.

Ganga Sagar Snan is a very religious and important ritual for Hindu devotees. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal in the culturally rich state of Bengal. Ganga Sagar Snan is only done during Makar Sankranti (an astrological event that marks the transition of Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn Zodiac sign) and falls on the 14th of January, every year. On this day, devotees from various parts of the country and abroad, come to take a dip in holy water of Ganges. It is believed that by performing this ritualistic bath, all the sins of the person will be washed away. Ganga Sagar Snan is observed with great fanfare all over the country. The festivities may vary from region to region, but the spirit of this festival remains unchanged.

Significance of Ganga Sagar Snan:

Ganga Sagar Snan is one of the most important annual events for people of Hindu community. This day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Ganga and Sun God. The observance of Ganga Sagar Snan on the day of Makar Sankranti also holds a special relevance. Makar Sankranti is an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar that is dedicated to worshipping Lord Surya. On this particular day, Sun transits to Capricorn from Sagittarius and it marks as the beginning of the good times in the Hindu culture, when all auspicious activities can be performed. According to the Hindu legends it is believed that one who perform the sacred Ganga Sagar Snan will be pardoned for all sins and in the end attain ‘moksha’ or salvation.

Rituals during Ganga Sagar Snan:

• Hindu devotees gather at around 3am on the day of Ganga Sagar Snan to perform the worshipping ceremony of legendary Kapil Muni. After the completion of Kapila puja, the Yagna and Maha Puja are performed.
• On the day of Ganga Sagar Snan, devotees get up very early to take the holy dip at the time of sunrise. They offer ‘arghya’ to the rising Sun and offer prayers to Sun God. While taking the holy dip, devotees express their gratitude towards Goddess Ganga and pray for Her divine blessings.
• Devotees also keep a strict fast on the day of Ganga Sagar Snan and abstain from eating or drinking anything till the time of completion of puja rituals.
• After completing the Ganga Snan rituals, devotees also visit the Kapilmuni Temple, located nearby. It is a unique and one-of-its-kind temple in India that is dedicated to Saint Kapil

 2017 Date : 14th January.