Kolkata: Mamata’s letter to PM to declare Ganga Sagar Fair as ‘National Fair’
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to designate Ganga Sagar Mela, the annual festival in the state during Makar Sankranti. In the form of ‘National Fair’. Additionally, he invited PM Modi to visit Ganga Sagar, emphasizing the uniqueness, importance, magnitude and spiritual depth of the event. “…Considering the uniqueness, importance, vastness and spiritual depth attached to the Ganga Sagar Mela, I would sincerely appeal to you to please consider declaring the Ganga Sagar Mela as a National Fair and please spare some time from your busy schedule Take a trip,” the chief minister said in the letter.
The Chief Minister noted that the Ganga Sagar Mela is one of the “largest spiritual human gatherings” in the world and comes after the Kumbh Mela. Giving details of the unique fair, the Chief Minister said, “The Ganga Sagar Fair takes place at the sacred confluence where the mighty river Ganga meets the majestic Bay of Bengal in the great Indian Ocean network, and such geographical grandeur is unmatched globally. Sagar Island (where the fair is held) is adjacent to the Sundarban region.” The Chief Minister said that while the Ganga Sagar Mela is celebrated every year on the day of Makar Sankranti, the Kumbh Mela is organized every twelve years and otherwise every four years. Mamata said that the Ganga Sagar Fair dates back to the period when the Indian Ocean network connected East Indian trade with ancient Greco-Roman commerce.
On the religious significance of the fair, Mamata said, “The Ganga Sagar Fair has served as a milestone of faith for the followers of Hinduism. The event has deep mythological and astrological significance, involving the fair itself with Kapil Muni and Sagar Island. It is mentioned in ancient Indian epics such as Ramayana, Mahabharata and Kalidasa’s Raghuvansham.”
The Chief Minister said, “The Ganga Sagar Fair is the only fair of its kind in the entire world which is organized on an island, not connected to the mainland, and yet lakhs and lakhs of pilgrims come to the fair to take the holy dip.” . ,
“Devotees visit the fair in large numbers from all over the world, across the country and especially from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat. Nearly 1 crore pilgrims visited the Ganga Sagar Mela and this number is likely to be crossed this year,” the Chief Minister said.
Mamata said the state government has taken a large number of initiatives to ensure smooth and safe movement of pilgrims, which have been completely funded from the state exchequer. “Facilities for river crossing by movement, launches, ships, barges, accommodation, power supply, road connectivity, lighting, drinking water, medical facilities, sanitation, fire services etc. are being provided from Kolkata to Kakdwip. There has been excellent response from pilgrims and NGOs regarding the excellent arrangements provided by the state government for the pilgrims,” the Chief Minister noted.
Mamata said the state government has to spend heavily to organize such a big fair, which is currently completely funded by the state government, without any contribution from the central government. Mamata mentioned that she had earlier requested the Central government to declare the Ganga Sagar Mela as a ‘national fair’ or a festival equivalent to the Kumbh Mela, which is recognized as a ‘national fair’. However, the decision on this is still awaited, he said.
The Chief Minister of West Bengal had earlier also demanded to give the status of ‘National Fair’ to the Gangasagar Fair. In 2021, Mamata Banerjee complained that the Center provides funds for the Kumbh Mela, but does not provide any financial assistance for the Gangasagar Mela.
Gangasagar Fair is being organized from 8-16 January this year.
