Devotees perform special prayers on Ganga Dussehra

Uttarkashi: An atmosphere of deep reverence and enthusiasm prevailed across Uttarkashi district, including at Gangotri Dham, as devotees gathered to celebrate the festival of Ganga Dussehra with special prayers and rituals to the revered Mother Ganga.At Gangotri Dham, a beautifully crafted idol of King Bhagirath was ceremoniously seated in a decorated palanquin. On Monday, following time-honoured customs, pilgrim priests led a vibrant procession with the palanquin through the Dham. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional Dhol-Damau and other indigenous musical instruments, the procession saw enthusiastic participation from large numbers of local residents and visiting devotees.The idol and palanquin were then taken to the Ganga Ghat, where priests performed special worship of the sacred river on behalf of King Bhagirath. The rituals included the chanting of the Ganga Lahari, the recitation of the Sahasranama and other traditional prayers.The temple premises and local markets remained bustling throughout the day as devotees took holy dips in the river, praying for happiness and prosperity.Sudhanshu Semwal and Badri Prasad Semwal, pilgrim priests at Gangotri Dham, explained the significance of the day: “On Ganga Dussehra, Mother Ganga descended from heaven to the earth at Gangotri Dham, following severe penance by King Bhagirath to bring her down to purify his ancestors’ ashes. To mark this, an idol of the king is prepared here every year, and symbolic worship of the river is performed on his behalf according to prescribed Vedic rituals.”The celebrations extended beyond Gangotri. In Barahat region, the deity Kandhar Devta was taken for a holy dip of faith at Yamunotri Dham. Meanwhile, Hari Maharaj of Baragaddi bathed in the sacred waters of Dodital Lake, praying for the well-being and prosperity of the region.At the district headquarters, recitation of the Ganga Lahari was done, followed by a havan (sacred fire ritual) and prayers. The day culminated in a grand aarti at the Ganga Ghat, where pilgrims from across the country and abroad attended.