Ganga Sagar: With the Kumbh not happening this year, pilgrims braved terror threats to flock to Ganga Sagar in West Bengal for their holy bath on Makar Sankranti.
Makar Sankranti is the last day of the Bengali month of Poush and thousands of devotees believe that a dip in the Ganga that flows past Sagar Island into the sea, will cleanse them of their sins. Even the ever present threat of a terror attack has not dampened spirits.
"We have offered ourselves to our god and we have nothing to fear," says a pilgrim Ramvati.
"Because of a Muni's blessings no one can cause any harm to this place. But terror attacks have cast its shadow of fear on pilgrims. Those who have braved that have arrived here," points out Vishnudev Das, Chief Priest Kapil Muni Temple.
It is also 65-year-old Draupdi Giri's second visit to the Ganga Sagar and the Delhi resident prefers to leave matters pf life and death to God.
"Let me tell you that we can die even if we are at home. I have come to my God and he would decide whether I should live or not," says Draupdi Giri.
But security is a key concern at this year's Ganga Sagar Mela.
A Coast Guard hovercraft aims to guard against any sea-borne attack. On land, too, over 5,000 security personnel are in place to secure the 100-acre fair ground. Attempts are also being made to sensitise the pilgrims.
"We have tried to publish some does and don'ts this time. It gives you a general outline of how to go to Sagar Island and what you should be aware of. Don't look for unidentified and unauthorised object, don't trust anyone whom you don't know," says Ajay Ranade, Superintendent of Police, South 24 Parganas.
Some say the number of devotees has dropped, but for most, devotion still reigns supreme.
Faith has united all the troubled hearts who seek penance and it is faith that is looking straight in the eye of terror and silently declaring the victory of the good over evil.
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