Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): On the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, thousands of devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga in Varanasi today, May 30, morning. Prayerfully, People were seen performing puja on the banks of the Ganga. The festivities last for ten days, with the last day being celebrated as Ganga Dussehra. The Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm in cities like Prayagraj and Varanasi where people from all over the country come to seek blessings. Taking a dip in the river on this day is deemed a means for devotees to get rid of their sins and heal any physical ailments they may have.
Ganga Dussehra, which is celebrated on the tenth day (Dashami) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month Jyeshtha, also marks the day when Goddess Ganga is believed to have descended from the heavens to Earth.
Ganga Dussehra is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in India, specifically along the banks of the holy river Ganga (also known as the Ganges). It is observed on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright half of the Hindu lunar month Jyeshtha, which typically falls in the month of May or June.
The festival commemorates the descent of the river Ganga to Earth from the heavenly realms. According to Hindu mythology, the mighty sage Bhagiratha performed intense penance to bring the divine river Ganga to purify the souls of his ancestors. Through his efforts, Ganga descended to Earth, purifying the ashes of Bhagiratha's ancestors and granting them liberation.
On Ganga Dussehra, devotees gather on the banks of the Ganga to take part in various rituals and ceremonies. They bathe in the sacred river, seeking purification of their sins and praying for the well-being of their loved ones. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy Ganga on this auspicious day can wash away sins and bestow blessings.
Devotees also offer prayers, perform aarti (a ritual of worship involving the waving of lamps), and chant hymns dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Many people make offerings of flowers, fruits, and coconuts, while some also organize special ceremonies and satsangs (spiritual gatherings) near the river.
The festival holds immense cultural and religious significance, not only for the purification of the body and soul but also for the ecological importance of the river Ganga. The Ganges is considered sacred and revered as a lifeline for millions of people, providing water for sustenance, irrigation, and spiritual nourishment.
Ganga Dussehra serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the holy river and its ecosystem. It highlights the need for collective efforts to maintain its purity and promote environmental consciousness. Overall, Ganga Dussehra is a joyous festival that brings people together to express their devotion, seek blessings, and celebrate the sacredness of the river Ganga in Indian culture and spirituality.
