People from different parts of the country assemble on the Gangasagar beach in Sagar Island turning the carnival into an eclectic mix of faith and culture. Over five lakh devotees have assembled on the island from January 10 to January 15, 2015. Elaborate security arrangements were made by the State administration. Photo: Sushanta Patronobish
Pilgrims offer prayers at the confluence of river Ganga and Bay of Bengal. It is believed by devotees that a dip in the river on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, when sun enters Tropic of Capricorn, brings “spiritual benefits and washes sins.” Photo: Sushanta Patronobish
Women hold their clothes to dry on a beach at Sagar Island after taking a dip in the waters. It is a common but colourful practice on the beach. Photo: Sushanta Patronobish
The Kapil Muni Temple on the Sagar Island is lit up during the Gangasagar festival. After taking a holy dip, devotees offer prayers at the temple which is believed to be few centuries old. Photo: Sushanta Patronobish
Children dressed as gods and goddesses try to entertain devotes at Sagar Island. These children are locals, and after a song and dance seek alms from devotees. Photo: Sushanta Patronobish
Volunteers of Civil Defence department of West Bengal Government at the Gangasagar beach. There is a large deployment of police and personnel of Civil Defence on the beach to ensure that no untoward incident occurs on the beach. Photo: Sushanta Patronobish
Christina Garcia Rodero (65) a freelance photographer with Magnum is covering Gangasagar Mela. Ms Rodero said that what attracted her most to the festival was the diversity of people here. Comparing the festival with Kumbh Mela, she said that unlike the pilgrims and administration at Kumbh in Gangasagar Mela, the devotees are in no hurry. Photo: Sushanta Patronobish
Mangali Pradhan from Balasore in Odisha got lost at the fair. She urgges her family members to come and get her. Photo: Sushanta Patronobish
Along with lakhs of devotees, the festival also attracts criminals. To ensure speedy delivery of justice the administration has set up special courts on the beach. About 30 cases were heard at the makeshift court between January 12 and January 14. Photo: Sushanta Patronobish
The Shankaracharya of Puri Swami Nischalananda Saraswati at the Gangasagar Mela. Among other issues, Puri Shankaracharya stressed on protecting river Ganga and said that in the name of development huge injustice has been done to the river by building dams in states like Uttarakhand. Photo: Sushanta Patronobish
The place houses the temple of the saint Kapil Muni, believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. Kapil Muni's hermitage is believed to have been present in modern day Gangasagar. Photo: Sushanta Patronobish