Kolkata, January 07, 2026: Every year, in addition to West Bengal, millions of people from various states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab gather for the Gangasagar Mela to take a holy dip. To prevent any accidents during the bathing ritual, Bharat Sevashram Sangha is deploying more than 1500 trained swimmers and volunteers at the sea this year.
The organization’s general secretary, Swami Vishwatmananda Maharaj said at a press conference, that the volunteers have already started arriving at the Sagar area. They will guide the pilgrims and provide all kinds of assistance so that they can bathe and return quickly.
In addition, several hundred swimmers, equipped with life jackets, will be present in the water at all times. They will take swift action to rescue anyone who is drowning.
Vishwanandji said that, this year, more than 5,000 overnight shelters, 200 toilets, and first-aid facilities are being arranged for the pilgrims. Ambulance services will also be available to take anyone to a city hospital if needed. Cooked meals will be served free of charge to more than ten thousand people every day.
