Allahabad: Thousands take holy dip in Ganga on Ganga Dussehra

ALLAHABAD: Thousands of devotees including pilgrims from other states on Wednesday took a holy dip in Ganga on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra. The devotees from city as well as neighbouring districts like Pratapgarh, Kaushmabi, Chitrakoot and Bhadohi started arriving sangam – the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythological Saraswati since early morning and performed rituals on the river banks.
Meanwhile, streets leading to sangam also wore a crowded look when devotees in large numbers arrived through their own vehicles and created jam like situation on frequent intervals. However, on being alerted, traffic police authorities swung into action and regulated the traffic especially Bairahana and Harshwardhan crossings.
Kaushambi resident Ashok Kesarwani said “ I along with my family arrived Sangam to offer prayers to Goddess Ganga for well being of the family as well as country”.
Religious scholar A K Mishra, meanwhile, said “In Hindu religion, the river Ganga is considered holy and is also treated like Goddess (mother). He added “ Ganga Dussehra is known as Gangavataran, which means 'the descent of the Ganga on earth and is being celebrated every year on dashami tithi or the tenth day of the bright half of the moon in the month of Jyaistha as per the Hindu calendar.
On the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, devotees perform several rituals including Gau-daan. Apart from taking holy dips, the devotees also offered prayers at Bade Hanuman ji temple and Beni Madhav temple.