Ganga Mahotsav

Ganga Mahotsav is observed annually in Varanasi after Diwali to celebrate the Holy River Ganges, which is the source of life and nourishment to the entire nation. It is celebrated for five days and is attended by tourists and pilgrims worldwide. It is a festival of cultural, traditional, and spiritual vibrancy.

 

Origin, History, and Significance of Ganga Mahotsav

 

The Ganges has been believed to be a sacred life source since time immemorial. According to Hindu mythology, a dip in the holy River can cleanse one’s body, mind, and soul of all their sins. Ganga Mahotsav’s festivities are a five-day event to celebrate the Ganges. On the last day of the festivities, Dev Deepavali is observed to welcome the Gods who are believed to descend to the Earth to bathe in the Holy River. Folklore has it that this was the day they defeated the demon Tripurasur and their presence can be felt in the waters. There are eighty ghats on the river banks, and celebrations occur at each of them. The festival is now organized by the Tourism Department of the Uttar Pradesh State Government at Varanasi (Banaras or Kashi). It has been the ancient holy city of Hindus since the pre-Buddhist era.

 

The Gangetic plains are one of the most fertile regions of the country, it is believed to be the life source of the nation, and the Ganga is thus revered and its glory celebrated. The festival also celebrates India's cultural, religious, and traditional capital, i.e., Varanasi. It is the city of Hindu culture and way of life, preserved for ages.

 

When is Ganga Mahotsav Celebrated

 

Ganga Mahotsav is celebrated every year after Diwali, from the eleventh day of the month of Kartika, i.e., the Probodhani Ekadashi. The festivities are observed for five days, the last of which is Dev Deepavali. It is a whole moon night and is known as Kartika Purnima. Ganga Mahotsav 2021 is on November 18, 2021.

 

How is Ganga Mahotsav Celebrated and Where to Go

 

Ganga Mahotsav is a celebration of the Holy Ganges and the cultural heritage of the Hindu city of Varanasi. Numerous activities are organized:

1. Crafts Fair - The National Craft Fair at Gandhi Shilp Bazaar takes place on the Chowka Ghat. It is a 10-day event where artisans from across the country gather and showcase their traditional handicrafts. In addition, one can get their hands on exquisite artifacts, souvenirs, and memoirs of the festival.
2. Races and Competitions - Traditional sports like country-boat racing, Indian-style wrestling, the Ganga Marathon, horse-cart races, and kite flying are organized as competitive tournaments.
3. Cultural Exploration - The festival seeks to revive and celebrate the richness of Kashi’s heritage. There are classical and folk performances of vocal and instrumental music and dances. Famous artists like Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Chhanulal Misra, and Girja Devi also perform.
4. Spiritual Experience - A major festival highlight is the Ganga Aarti which takes place in the evenings at Dashashwamedh Ghat. In the mornings, tourists and pilgrims do Surya namaskars on the ghats and take dips in the Holy River to sanctify their bodies, mind, and soul. There are also prominent temples in Varanasi, like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
5. Dev Deepavali - The fifth day of the Mahotsav is very auspicious and is the celebration of Dev Deepavali. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims take a dip in the River known as Kartika Snan to cleanse themselves of their sins. The ghats are adorned with thousands of lamps floating on the River and elaborate rangolis. The festivities end with the bursting of fireworks.

 

The festivities of Ganga Mahotsav commence on the day of Probodhani Ekadashi on all the ghats that dot the banks of the Holy River, From Varuna Ghat to Assi Ghat. Varanasi has a well-developed network of air, rail, and road travel; buses are the most convenient and cheap option. The most popular routes to Banaras offered by redBus are:

• Delhi to Banaras.
• Agra to Banaras.
• Lucknow to Banaras.
• Prayagraj to Banaras.
• Kanpur to Banaras.

Buses ply at numerous convenient times throughout the day with a wide range of pick-up and dropping points to suit your convenience.

 

Ganga Mahotsav is a celebration of the sanctity and glory of the Ganges and the rich culture and traditions of Varanasi. You can join Ganga Mahotsav 2023 with redBus by booking your tickets online on the website, or the redBus app. redBus offers secure payment options and details about bus routes, duration, and seats to ensure your utmost comfort.