South 24 Parganas (West Bengal) [India], January 15 (ANI): Devotees thronged Sagardwip in West Bengal during Gangasagar Mela on Makar Sankranti and took a holy dip.

The auspicious day adds to the festive atmosphere, amplifying the cultural and religious importance of the gathering.

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Situated just off the Bengal coast, Sagardwip has exceptional beauty and religious significance. The confluence of the Ganga River and the Bay of Bengal imparts a unique spiritual charm to this location.

The second-largest fair after Kumbh Mela, the Gangasagar Mela starts on the pious day of Makar Sankranti, which generally falls between January 14 and 15 every year and concludes on January 17.

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The annual fair at one of the oldest and leading pilgrimage sites in the country draws devotees every year, who also take a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Ganga at Sagardweep, from where the river merges with the Bay of Bengal.

In an exclusive chat with ANI on Friday, the district magistrate of South 24 Parganas, Sumit Gupta, spoke on the security arrangements for the devotees, who have fetched up in their thousands for the event. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)