Gangasagar Mela Dates – When Is the Mela and the Holy Dip?

Gangasagar Mela is held every year around Makar Sankranti in mid-January, when lakhs of pilgrims gather on Sagar Island to take the holy dip where the Ganga meets the Bay of Bengal and to pray at Kapil Muni Ashram.

When does the Mela take place?

The Mela usually runs for about a week around Makar Sankranti. The most important moment is the Punya Snan on Makar Sankranti; its exact auspicious time is announced each year by the temple and the district administration. Check our Gangasagar Mela page for the latest dates and updates.

Which days are the most crowded?

The two days before Makar Sankranti and the day of the Snan are the busiest. Ferries, roads and stays are under heavy demand, and special traffic rules apply. If you want an easier visit, arrive two to three days earlier or come after the Mela.

How to plan your Mela visit

• Book transport and stay early – tents and rooms near the Mela ground fill up fast.
• Carry ID proof, warm clothes, medicines and a dry set of clothes for the Snan.
• Senior citizens should choose a package with a helper and a stay close to the ghat.

Plan with us: see our Gangasagar tour packages, private ferry and hotels & stay, or contact us for a quote.