Sagar

Sagar, a low, swampy island at the mouth of the Hugli, the holiest branch of the Ganges; it is particularly sacred in the estimation of the Hindus. Multitudes of pilgrims annually resort to it in January, and after the three days' festival of purification is over a great fair is held. The island has an area of 225 sq. m., but is very thinly inhabited, the greater part being jungle, the haunt of tigers and other wild animals. A lighthouse (1808), a meteorological observatory, and a telegraph station are the chief buildings.