Varanasi witnessed large gatherings of devotees on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, with religious ceremonies and worship taking place across the city’s ghats. As evening approached, thousands of devotees gathered at the ghats, while a grand Maha Aarti was organised at Dashashwamedh Ghat involving 11 Vedic Brahmins and 21 Devkanyas.
The aarti of Maa Ganga commenced amid chanting of mantras, conch shell sounds and temple bells. Devotees raised chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Ganga Maiya Ki Jai” during the ceremony.
The specially decorated ghat was illuminated with lamps, while incense and ceremonial arrangements marked the occasion. A large number of tourists and devotees from India and abroad attended the Maha Aarti.
Special events were also organised at Assi Ghat to mark Ganga Dussehra, where 56 varieties of offerings were presented to Maa Ganga. Sweets, fruits and traditional dishes were arranged as part of the special worship rituals.
According to religious leaders, worship and ritual bathing in the Ganga hold special significance on Ganga Dussehra. It is believed that bathing in the river and performing charitable acts on the day helps devotees attain freedom from sins and brings peace and prosperity in life.
Heavy footfall of devotees was reported at Varanasi’s ghats from the morning onward. People took ritual dips in the Ganga, offered prayers and sought prosperity and well-being for their families.
During the Maha Aarti, Vedic Brahmins conducted rituals in accordance with traditional customs, while Devkanyas participated in aarti and religious ceremonies in traditional attire. The ghat remained a focal point for devotees during the celebrations.
Security arrangements were made by Uttar Pradesh Police and the administration, with additional police personnel deployed at the ghats and surveillance carried out through drone cameras.
Medical camps, drinking water facilities and barricading arrangements were put in place for devotees. The administration appealed to visitors to exercise caution at the ghats and follow safety instructions.
Photographs and videos of Kashi’s Maha Aarti are also being widely shared on social media. Illuminated ghats and visuals of the aarti have drawn attention online.
Special worship ceremonies were also held at Kashi Vishwanath Dham on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra. Several devotees visited Baba Vishwanath after taking a ritual dip in the Ganga.
Experts said Kashi’s Ganga Aarti has become a symbol of India’s cultural and spiritual identity in addition to being a religious event, attracting lakhs of visitors to Varanasi every year.
According to the Varanasi district administration, bhajan-kirtan and religious programmes at the ghats will continue until late at night.
