PTI
Lakhs of pilgrims from across the country took the holy dip at the confluence of the river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in the wee hours Monday, a senior official of the state government said.
The gathering this year is over 65 lakhs, but so far only few lakhs have taken the holy dip, he said, adding that the pilgrims also offered prayers at the Kapil Muni Temple. Every year, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, lakhs of pilgrims flock to Gangasagar to take a dip and offer prayers at the Kapil Muni Temple.
Owing to the congregation of such a huge number of pilgrims, the state government has beefed up the security arrangements at Sagar Island. Apart from the state police, NDRF, SDRF and Coast Guard personnel have been deployed with necessary gear for responding to any eventuality.