In which state is the Ganga Sagar Fair held every year on the banks of the Ganges, where millions of pilgrims gather for a holy bath?

Explanation

• The Ganga Sagar Fair (Gangasagar Mela) is held every year at Sagar Island, located at the confluence of the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal in West Bengal.
• It takes place during Makar Sankranti (around 14–15 January), when millions of pilgrims gather to take a holy dip in the sacred waters.
• The fair is considered the second largest Hindu gathering after the Kumbh Mela.

Extra Facts

• Main attraction: Pilgrims visit the Kapilmuni Ashram at Gangasagar after bathing in the holy waters.
• Scale: Every year, lakhs of devotees, saints, and tourists attend, making it one of the biggest religious congregations in India.
• Significance: The bath at Gangasagar is believed to purify sins and grant spiritual merit.
• Organization: The event is managed by the Government of West Bengal, with special arrangements for transport, safety, and accommodation.