Devotees celebrate Ganga festival

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Devotees celebrate Ganga festival

Thousands of Hindus devotees thronged the banks of the river Ganges in

northern holy city of Varanasi on the occasion of "Ganga Dussehra"

festival celebrated with great fanfare.

 

Hindus celebrate the day every year, as it is believed this was the

day when Bhagirathi, one of the tributaries of the Ganges, was born

after saint Bhagirath's penance.

 

Mythology has it that Bhagirath held a severe penance to bring the

holy waters of the Ganges on to the earth to help his ancestors attain

salvation.

 

The river holds special significance for Hindus.

 

Bathed in innumerable lighted lamps, the Ganges played an enchantress

as people flocked to worship on the auspicious day. Foreign tourists

said it was a special experience.

 

"This festival not only has a religious significance but it also helps

in creating awareness among the people to keep the river clean," said

Satyandra Misra, a local resident.

 

Devout believe bathing in the Ganges on the occasion will make them

attain salvation and liberate them from the cycles of birth and death.

 

Meanwhile, hundreds of Hindu devotees swarmed the streets of the city

on the occasion of Hindu festival of "Nirjala Ekadasi".

 

Devotees carrying 108 pitchers, carrying waters from five holy rivers,

walked to a temple devoted to Lord Shiva, god of destruction in the

Hindu pantheon.

 

"Every year the pitcher festival is celebrated and it has been going

on with full devotion for the past eight years," said B S Subramanium,

Manager, Kanchi Mutt (a religious group).

 

Bureau Report

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