A series of events marked the Ganga Dussehra celebrations in Varanasi on Tuesday, with religious and spiritual programmes organized by the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust. Special prayers and Vedic rituals were performed at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
Morning Aarti and Abhishek
In the early morning hours, a special aarti of Maa Ganga was conducted at the ghat of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, followed by an abhishek of the river. The idol of Maa Ganga enshrined within the temple complex was worshipped with special rituals on the occasion.
Significance of Ganga Dussehra
According to Hindu belief, on this day (dashami tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Jyeshtha month), the Ganga descended from heaven. It is believed that taking a holy dip in the Ganga and performing puja on Ganga Dussehra leads to the absolution of all sins and the attainment of moksha.
Milk Abhishek by Batuk Students
Led by Varanasi South MLA Neelkanth Tiwari, 51 Batuk students of Shastrarath Mahavidyalaya performed a dugdhaabhishek of Maa Ganga at Devi Ahilyabai Ghat. After offering naivedya, fruits, and other items, the abhishek was performed with 51 litres of milk amid Vedic mantras.
Tiwari stated that Ganga Dussehra holds immense sacred and spiritual significance in Hinduism. Taking a dip in the Ganga river and performing acts of charity on this day is believed to grant liberation from all sins.
