HOW IS GANGA DUSSEHRA CELEBRATED IN INDIA?
The famous Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on the 10th day of the Jyeshta Month. The festival is of great significance in the Hindu Mythology and is celebrated all across the country. Celebrating the descent of River Ganga on Earth, this religious festival gives a chance to all the devotees to take a dip in the Holy waters of River Ganga that flows through the popular pilgrimage destinations of Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Devotees offer prayers to Goddess Ganga and perform rituals to celebrate the festival. The auspicious celebrations go on till 10 days where River Ganga is venerated each day. People come down to Uttarakhand to witness the prayers and ceremonies conducted to worship the River Ganga on Dashmi. Prayers are held on the bank of the River where devotees are seen offering flowers and floating lamps in the River along with reverential melodies.
Significance of Ganga Dussehra
Many Hindu devotees take a holy dip in the River Ganga as it is believed that the pure waters of Ganga washes away the sins and free a human being from any kind of negativity. People also remember their ancestors on this day and offer water to them as a sign of respect and veneration. It is believed that blessings are bestowed on those who offer prayers on this auspicious day.
How is Ganga Dussehra celebrated?
Every year people pay a visit at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varasani and Har ki pauri in Haridwar to take a dip in the holy waters of River Ganga. Devotees gather to pay tributes and seek blessings from the Goddess Ganga. River Ganga is a true symbol of purity and anyone who touches it waters is said to be purified. It is also believed that the water of River Ganga has healing qualities which may heal any physical ailment.
A grand arti is performed on the banks of the River to give respect to the Goddess Ganga and to celebrate its origin from Heaven to the Earth. It is believed that the River flowed only in the heaven and was brought down to Earth in the form of Goddess Ganga to purify the ashes of King Bhagiratha’s ancestors.
On the same day, prayers are offered to River Yamuna as well. Devotees take a dip in the Holy waters of River Yamuna just as they take a dip in River Ganga. The River Yamuna streams through different areas like Mathura, Vrindavan and Bateshwar. People Gather at these places to offer prayers, perform various rituals and seek blessings.
The spirit of the festival
Ganga Dussehra also marks the peak of summer season and therefore devotees all around the nation distribute rose milk and rose water. At some places, kite flying events are also organized as a symbol of prayers and honor.
Conclusion
Large crowds assemble to witness the charm of River Ganga on this day however due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic this year people would not be able to gather and pray together. An online live arti would be telecasted for the devotees who wish to see and seek blessings of Goddess Ganga. This year we all shall pray to the Goddess to heal everyone with her purity and piousness.
