📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Goutam1962
Religion
West Bengal Launches Gangasagar Mela Preparations, Aims to End VIP Culture
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 04 Nov 2026, 03:46 PM
👁 10
West Bengal has begun preparations for the annual Gangasagar Mela, announcing plans to provide equal facilities for all pilgrims and to eliminate the long‑standing VIP treatment, with technology such as AI to aid the effort.
West Bengal’s government has officially kicked off preparations for the upcoming Gangasagar Mela, a major pilgrimage that attracts thousands of devotees each year. The state administration has announced a comprehensive plan to provide equal facilities for all pilgrims, aiming to dismantle the traditional VIP treatment that has long been a feature of the event.
Key components of the plan include the deployment of advanced crowd‑management systems and the use of artificial intelligence to monitor and streamline pilgrim flow. Officials also intend to upgrade infrastructure such as sanitation, medical aid and accommodation to ensure a safe and dignified experience for every visitor.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the state to promote inclusivity and transparency during large religious gatherings. By standardising services and reducing preferential treatment, the government hopes to set a new benchmark for future Mela events across India.
Key components of the plan include the deployment of advanced crowd‑management systems and the use of artificial intelligence to monitor and streamline pilgrim flow. Officials also intend to upgrade infrastructure such as sanitation, medical aid and accommodation to ensure a safe and dignified experience for every visitor.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the state to promote inclusivity and transparency during large religious gatherings. By standardising services and reducing preferential treatment, the government hopes to set a new benchmark for future Mela events across India.