It is also, and maybe the only area that presented a whole string of yogis and saints to the globe, from Rama Krishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, to Paramhansa Yogananda, taking a cue from the ideas and spirituality.
If you consider yourself a devotee at heart, then India is nothing less than a vibrant festival, full of many festivals that allow you to both witness and discover your own truth. The Ganga Sagar Mela, which takes place in Sagardwip, West Bengal, is another well-known fair and celebration in India that is second only to the Kumbh Mela in terms of popularity.
The fact that many spiritual enthusiasts flock to Sagardwip, where the holy river Ganges eventually flows into the Bay of Bengal, to take a plunge in its holy waters, lends a great lot of spiritual value to this specific Mela (fair). According to the history of the Ganga Sagar Mela, Kapila Muni is thought to have assisted King Bhagirath in freeing the spirits of his forefathers right here.
2023's Best Time To Attend Ganga Sagar Mela
The Makar Sankranti festival, which is observed on the holy day of January 14–15 every year, is when the Ganga Sagar Mela is held. It is also the time when the Sun moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn, and it is thought that bathing in the holy Ganges during this time can lead one to salvation.
The Ganga's History Sarg Mela
The famous Saint Kapil Muni's temple is 130 kilometres from Kolkata. Many devotees come to the temple since it is thought to be a particularly sacred place. This temple's history and the origins of the mela are both interesting. Lord Vishnu is regarded as having taken the form of Sage Kapil Muni. The renowned King Sagar once performed the Ashwamedha Yagya as a symbol of his victory over the entire world. The sacrifice horse was taken by King Indra, the Lord of the Heavens. Out of jealousy, he chained the horse in the pataal lok next to Kapil Muni's Ashram. When the sons of King Sagar went to retrieve the horse, they discovered it near to Kapil Muni's ashram and thought he was a robber. This bogus accusation incensed Kapil Muni. The boys were cursed and reduced to ashes by him. After years of meditation, Bhagirath, the grandson of King Sagar, prayed for the Ganges to flow over the remains of his ancestors. This wish was granted, and Holy Ganges descended from the skies in a cascade, washing over the remains of King Sagar's boys. The lads' souls received salvation. Millions of people travel to the Sagar Islands nowadays to take holy dips in the Ganges and sea to find redemption and atone for past misdeeds. On Makar Sankranti, devotees offer their prayers, and the Ganga Sagar Mela has been going on ever since.