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Key Points

Thousands of devotees gathered across Uttar Pradesh to celebrate Ganga Dussehra, taking holy dips in sacred rivers. The festival marks the mythological descent of Goddess Ganga from heaven to Earth, with people believing the ritual cleanses sins. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the spiritual significance, connecting the day to national initiatives like Namami Gange. Celebrations included special prayers, rituals, and mass bathing at sacred sites like Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.

Key Points: Ganga Dussehra Draws Thousands to Sacred Rivers in UP

  • Devotees take sacred bath in Saryu and Ganga rivers across Uttar Pradesh
  • Priests perform special prayers in Varanasi
  • CM Yogi highlights spiritual significance of Ganga Dussehra
  • Celebrations mark mythological descent of Goddess Ganga
2 min read

UP: Devotees take holy dip on occasion of Ganga Dussehra, offer prayers to Maa Ganga

Devotees celebrate Ganga Dussehra with holy dips across Uttar Pradesh, marking divine river's descent to Earth

"Today is a very auspicious and holy day... our desire to attain salvation was fulfilled - CM Yogi Adityanath"

Lucknow, June 5

A large number of devotees gathered on the banks of rivers across Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, and took a holy dip in the sacred waters, celebrating the divine descent of Maa Ganga to Earth.

People took a dip in the Saryu river in Ayodhya, believing it would wash away their sins.

Devotees offered prayers and bathed at the Sangam Triveni, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj.

The holy ritual was observed as part of Ganga Dussehra, a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of the river Ganga on Earth from the heavens, as per ancient scriptures.

Meanwhile, in Varanasi, priests of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple performed special prayers on the banks of the river Ganga.

Thousands of devotees, including tourists and pilgrims, were seen across Varanasi taking a dip in the Ganga and participating in aarti rituals.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wished Ganga Dussehra and World Environment Day to the citizens of the state.

Speaking to ANI on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, CM Yogi said, "Today is a very auspicious and holy day... On this day, not only the followers of Sanatan Dharma but every Indian's desire to attain salvation was fulfilled... On this auspicious day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the country the Namami Gange Programme. We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the bottom of our hearts for this."

Ganga Dussehra, which is celebrated on the tenth day (Dashami) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, also marks the day when Goddess Ganga is believed to have descended from the heavens to Earth.

The festivities last for 10 days, with the last day being celebrated as Ganga Dussehra.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Ganga Dussehra always fills my heart with devotion! 🙏 The sight of thousands taking the holy dip at Triveni Sangam is breathtaking. Our rivers aren't just water bodies - they're living goddesses who cleanse both body and soul. Hope we all remember to keep them clean too on Environment Day.
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Priya M.
Beautiful traditions but concerned about pollution levels. My parents went to Varanasi last year and said the water quality has improved after Namami Gange. More needs to be done though - we can't keep treating our sacred rivers like this. Spiritual awakening should come with environmental responsibility.
A
Amit S.
The energy in Prayagraj during Ganga Dussehra is unmatched! Been going with my family since childhood. This year couldn't make it due to work, but watching the live aarti online. Our culture's connection with nature is what makes India special. Jai Maa Ganga! 🪔
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Neha T.
While I respect the religious sentiments, the crowds worry me - hope proper safety measures were in place. Last year there were reports of accidents during the dip. Traditions are important but so are lives. Maybe better crowd management systems could be implemented?
V
Vikram J.
The blend of Ganga Dussehra and World Environment Day is perfect timing! Our ancestors worshipped nature - we need to revive that respect. The Namami Gange project is a good start but every citizen must contribute. No point taking holy dips if we keep polluting the same water later.
S
Sunita R.
My grandmother used to tell us stories about Ganga's descent from heaven every Dussehra. Seeing my kids experience the same traditions fills me with joy. But I do wish the administration would provide more facilities for elderly devotees - the ghats can be difficult to navigate for them.

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