From Bharat Tirtha to global confluence: Gangasagar Mela draws devotees from across the world

Invoking Rabindranath Tagore’s evocative lines from “Bharat Tirtha”, where the poet described India as a sacred land of countless pilgrimages, Gangasagar stands out as one of the most revered confluences of faith.

Each year, millions of devotees gather at the meeting point of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal to take the holy dip, seeking spiritual merit. This year, however, the Gangasagar Mela has unfolded with a striking new dimension ~ the visible presence of devotees and tourists from across the globe. Alongside pilgrims from various Indian states, visitors from Europe, the United States, Russia, Nepal and Bangladesh have been spotted along the shores of Sagar Island. Draped in saffron robes, tilak marks on their foreheads and rosary beads in hand, these foreign devotees have added a distinctive global colour to the centuries-old spiritual congregation. Despite differences in language and culture, faith appears to have converged seamlessly at this sacred confluence.

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Among the many stories emerging from the fair is that of two French brothers, Felix and Rodrigues, who travelled from Paris to witness the event. The brothers had first visited Gangasagar nearly two years ago, while touring religious sites in India. That visit, in May, offered them a quiet glimpse of Kapil Muni Ashram, when the beach was largely deserted and free from the clamour of crowds. Back in France, they later read online about the Gangasagar Mela ~ often described as India’s second-largest human congregation ~ and were fascinated by accounts of how a “mini India” emerges annually on this small island. Curious to experience this phenomenon firsthand, they decided to return, timing their visit with the fair.

Upon arriving in Kolkata, the brothers headed straight to Gangasagar. Even before the main bathing day, they were overwhelmed by the scale of preparations and the growing influx of pilgrims. They plan to spend around 10 days in the city and have already visited the mela once ahead of Makar Sankranti. Both said they would return on the auspicious bathing day to witness the massive congregation. “What amazed us most is how so many people can gather in one place,” said Felix, as the brothers moved around the mela grounds, taking photographs and observing the arrangements. The illuminated pathways, towering hoardings and social awareness messages left them visibly impressed.

“We had read about the fair online, but only after coming here did we realise the magnitude of the organisation and the enthusiasm of the people. It is a completely different experience.” While they are keen to absorb the atmosphere on 14 January, the brothers said they are yet to decide whether they will take the ritual dip themselves.

The presence of foreign visitors is not new to Gangasagar, with many learning about the mela through social media or spiritual organisations such as ISKCON, which has brought devotees from the US, Spain and Portugal this year.

However, returning specifically to experience the fair after a previous visit remains rare ~ making the French brothers’ journey stand out.

Local residents, too, appeared delighted by the foreign presence, striking up conversations and posing for photographs.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, referring to the influx of international visitors, noted that the Gangasagar Mela has transcended national boundaries and is steadily asserting its place on the global tourism map, underlining its growing international significance. The evening Ganga aarti at the Bay of Bengal confluence has also emerged as a major attraction for foreign visitors, many of whom are unwilling to miss the ritual that began on 8 January.

“Tourists from the United States, London and other overseas countries have been seen among the seated onlookers,” a senior administrative official said.