The Gangasagar Mela is one of the most anticipated spiritual events in West Bengal, looked at with anticipation by millions of Hindu devotees.
The annual event, taking place at Sagar Island on the confluence of the River Ganga and the Bay of Bengal, began on January 10 and will conclude on January 17, 2026.
With the event set to conclude tomorrow, it is expected that it will see massive crowds. To ensure pilgrims’ safety, the organizers and the state authority have implemented protective measures and issued important guidelines.
If you’re visiting Sagar Island on the last day of Gangasagar Mela or are already there, here’s what you need to know!
Ganga Sagar Mela 2026: What Pilgrims Must Know!
A Brief Overview Of Gangasagar Mela 2026
Ganga Sagar Mela is a holy pilgrimage, a spiritually inclined event attracting millions of pilgrims each year. Often considered to be the second-largest Hindu pilgrimage only after the Kumbh Mela, it is held in Gangasagar, a village in West Bengal nestled on the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal.
The mela is held during the time of Makar Sankranti each year and has deep-rooted spiritual significance in Hinduism.
Do’s On The Gangasagar Mela 2026 Last Day
- Co-operate with police authorities, volunteers, and local government officials and follow all instructions.
- If you’re visiting the Gangasagar Mela with elderly people or children, it is very important that you ask them to keep some form of identity card with them at all times. You can make them wear it around their neck, keep it in their pockets, or at the back of their mobile phone case, in case they carry one.
- Ensure that the elderly and the children remain with an adult caretaker, guardian, or someone they know. There are fair chances of them getting lost or misguided in the crowd. In case anyone gets lost, contact the nearest police helpdesk immediately.
- Keep a discreet watch on your co-passengers and pilgrims around you at the mela. If you notice suspicious behavior, inform the nearest police helpdesk. However, do not spread rumors or create panic situations.
- Ensure that all those who’re traveling with you and have a mobile phone keep their devices charged to full capacity. Carry power banks or power adapters to charge your device(s).
- Share your live location with a trusted friend or family member for them to keep track of your location.
- Take care of your personal belongings, especially valuables like jewelry, cash, and electronic devices.
- On the last day, it is possible that you’ll face larger crowds than expected. If possible, avoid entering large crowds and be aware of your surroundings.
Don’ts On The Gangasagar Mela 2026 Last Day
- Do not engage in rumors, create panic situations, or create unnecessary chaos. Even the smallest errors can lead to unprecedented mishaps.
- Do not light fires at the mela premises. It can be a safety hazard.
- Do not accept food or water from unknown people; it might be dangerous.
- Do not venture into deep water while bathing if you cannot swim or are afraid of water.
- Do not touch unknown or unclaimed objects. If you notice any such unknown objects, inform the nearest police helpdesk immediately.
Safety Precautions Undertaken By Gangasagar Mela Authorities
We’ve mentioned the dos and don’ts on the last day of Gangasagar Mela above. Now, let’s take a look at the safety precautions that the Gangasagar Mela authorities have implemented for the safety of pilgrims.
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced accidental life insurance cover of INR 5 lakh for all pilgrims attending the mela between January 9 and January 17, 2026. The coverage extends to government employees, police personnel, health workers, transport staff, journalists, and volunteers.
- GPS tracking systems and a pilgrim transport management system (PTMS) operating from a central control room.
- Additional train services from Howrah, Sealdah, and Namkhana.
- The maximum speed limit for all pilgrim vehicles is capped at 40 km per hour.
- 39 giant screens, 20 LED walls, 7 Wi-Fi zones, 760 metal detectors, and free Wi-Fi calling booths across the mela premises.
- 16 buffer zones along the route from Babughat in Kolkata to the Ganga Sagar Mela to regulate crowd movements. Each of these zones is equipped with toilets, drinking water, primary medical facilities, and resting areas.
- Deployment of 20 drones, 1,200 CCTV cameras, and 10 satellite phones.
- Special lighting arrangements are installed at ferry ghats and along river routes for passenger safety.
- 15,000 police officers and 2,500 civil defense volunteers for crowd management.
- Vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, will receive QR-coded wristbands. These wristbands will enable immediate identification and ease family reunification.
- Simple QR scans throughout the premises to act as personal navigators, help find water, toilets, and transport. This information will be available in Bengali, Hindi, or English.
- A fleet of over 100 ambulances, supported by specialized air and water ambulances, is on standby.
- 12,100 toilets and arranged 1 crore water pouches for pilgrims’ convenience.
- 540 dedicated hospital beds for immediate care.
Summing Up
The last day of Gangasagar Mela 2026 is about to be a grand spectacle, marking the conclusion of the second-largest Hindu pilgrimage on Earth.
If you’re visiting the mela, make sure you follow these dos and don’ts and take note of the safety precautions implemented by the government authorities and organizers.
