Confluence of technology with traditions at Ganga Sagar Mela 2025

Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Ganga Sagar Mela 2025, to be held at Sagardwip, the place where the Ganga River merges with the Bay of Bengal. The annual fair this year is unique as for the first time the fair will see integration of advanced technology as well as numerous green initiatives, making it a remarkable experience for both pilgrims and tourists alike.

The Ganga Sagar Mela, one of the largest Hindu fairs in India, takes place annually off the coast of West Bengal during the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, a festival which marks the beginning of the harvest year.

The 2025 edition of the festival is set to occur from January 10 to 18, with the significant holy dip at the convergence point of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal scheduled for January 14 at midnight. This grand pilgrimage is expected to attract millions of devotees to Sagardwip, an island off the Bengal coast, where the Ganga meets the sea.

The festival draws pilgrims from all over India to Kapilmuni’s Ashram, a significant religious site. The area’s spiritual significance and the belief that bathing in the Ganga here cleanses one’s sins, makes Ganga Sagar Mela is a deeply revered event.

A sustainable and tech-enhanced mela

This year, West Bengal government is putting considerable effort into making the event both eco-friendly and technologically advanced. The state has introduced several green initiatives to reduce the event’s environmental footprint. For instance, jute bags will be used in place of plastic, contributing to a plastic-free festival. A mega control room has been set up to monitor various aspects of the mela, from transportation to crowd control.

The government is also introducing innovative IT solutions for enhanced safety and management. High-tech security measures include the use of ISRO’s GPS-based monitoring systems and drones for surveillance, ensuring the safety of the large crowds.

Over 1,200 CCTV cameras will be installed across critical points of the mela, including Kachuberia, Outram Ghat and Namkhana, all connected to the control room for real-time monitoring.

In addition, wristbands for children and elderly pilgrims will be distributed, allowing for quick identification and reunification with family members in case they get separated. The Bandhan app will facilitate seamless communication, while selfie points will help pilgrims navigate and create lasting memories.

Security and logistics

In preparation for the influx of approximately 12 million pilgrims, the state government will deploy around 13,000 police personnel to maintain law and order during the mela.

The District Magistrate of South 24 Parganas, Sumit Kumar, emphasises that technology will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth logistics, including sanitation, transportation and crowd management.

Enhanced transportation facilities

The West Bengal Transport Department has introduced additional RoRo vessels or roll-on/roll-off ships to ferry pilgrims and cargo between riverine routes. These large vessels, capable of transporting wheeled vehicles such as trucks and buses, will help ease congestion and streamline movement between Lot 8 and Kachuberia.

In addition, 10 barges will operate during the mela, up from just three in 2024, ensuring better connectivity.

The RoRo service was first introduced in October 2024, with the department planning to expand the service to routes like Raichak to Kukrahati. The vessels are designed to carry both passengers and goods, making them a vital part of the festival’s logistics.