Around 12 lakh pilgrims and devotees took the holy dip at Gangasagar with the most auspicious time of Sun's transition to Makar Rashi (Capricon) continuing till 7.04 pm on Tuesday, officials said.
The auspicious moment started at 7.04 pm on Monday on the occasion of Makarsankaranti and continued till the same time Tuesday evening when most people took dip at Gangasagar, the second largest congregation of people after Kumbh Mela.
This auspicious moment, when the transition of the Sun into Makara Rashi (capricorn) on its celestial path took place, happened after a gap of 65 years.
Around 10 lakh pilgrims coming from various states and two lakh local devotees took the holy dip during the day.
Since January 10, around 10 lakh devotees came to SagarIslands, the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal, to take the dip, officials said.
West Bengal government has made adequate arrangements for the pilgrims during their stay here, said West Bengal PHE minister Subrata Mukherjee, who along with state Power minister Manish Gupta, are overseeing the arrangements.
Gyandas Mohant, Chief Priest of the KapilmuniTemple had said after a gap of 65 years, the pious Makarsankranti dip at Gangasagar was happening during the evening hours.
"The Amrit Yog (auspicious period) continued till 7.04 pm," he said.
Four barges and other vessels have been pressed into service to carry nearly lakh devotees to Kakdwip and the process will continue all through the night, sources said.
The Navy, Coast Guard, BSF and district police are patrolling the seas, river channels and fair ground to ensure smooth passage of the annual event.
