At the Gangasagar Mela, echoing the sentiments of the chief minister of West Bengal, the saints’ community expressed their desire to promote harmony and unity and stopped from creating any negative narrative. In light of recent incidents, such as the detention of monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and attacks by fundamentalists on Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh, there are concerns about the deterioration of relations between India and Bangladesh.

Additionally, the inhumane treatment of West Bengal fishermen by the Bangladesh Coast Guard has further intensified tensions. However, the saints emphasised that Gangasagar, with its confluence and the historic Kapil Muni’s ashram, should not project any negative narrative to the world. Saints from Kapil Muni’s ashram, ISKCON, Shankaracharya of Kashi, Bharat Sevashram Sangha, and even Banaras’ Mahanirvani Akhara are united in their message of peace. They aim to promote global harmony and convey prayers for peace through devotional songs and spiritual practices, including for Bangladesh and the rest of the world.

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Thousands of pilgrims have already started arriving at Gangasagar, although the formal inauguration of the fair by the chief minister is scheduled for tomorrow. Rasik Gauranga Das, the public relations officer of ISKCON headquarters, stated that a special Harinam Sankirtan (devotional singing) will be organised on 10 January at the seaside, featuring international devotees. “We want to spread the message of harmony and world peace. With 80 international participants from 21 countries performing joyful Vedic dances and spiritual cultural programs, Gangasagar will turn into a global confluence,” he said. Mahant Swami Paramatmananda of the Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara expressed satisfaction with the Indian government’s stance on the Bangladesh issue. Similar sentiments were shared by Nimai Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangha and Mahant Gyan Das of Kapil Muni’s ashram. The pilgrims at Gangasagar were deeply moved by the plight of minorities in Bangladesh, and prayers were organised for their safety. Devotional songs accompanied by traditional drums resonated in some places, while priests collectively recited the Mahamrityunjaya mantra to strengthen the resolve of Hindus along the banks of the Padma river. In another event, a Lanka Yajna (fire ritual) was held to seek divine intervention for changing the hearts of extremists, where 111 kilograms of dried chillies were burnt as an offering. On Wednesday morning, the Gangasagar beach reverberated with prayers for Bangladesh. These incidents have raised alarm and intensified the sense of urgency for prayers and solidarity.