Why in news?

• The Gangasagar Mela is organised during Makar Sankranti every year.
• On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, thousands of pilgrims, seers & tourists take a holy dip in the confluence of Ganga and Bay of Bengal, to mark this event.
• They also offer prayers at the Kapil Muni Temple.
• On the day of Makar Sankranti (January 14), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius, it is said that the bath becomes a holy source of salvation.
• Gangasagar is the second largest congregation of pilgrims, devotees and enthusiasts across the country after the Kumbh Mela at Haridwar.