Ganga Dussehra: Devotees throng to banks of river Ganga for holy dip

Devotees across North India thronged to various ghats of River Ganges to take a holy dip on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra. The biggest crowds were witnessed at the sacred ghats of Har ki Pauri in Haridwar, Uttrakhand. 

Ganga Dussehra is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and this day is commemorated as the day when Ganga was descended to the Earth to accomplish her mission to purge the cursed souls of Bhagiratha's ancestors. Before coming to the Earth, the Goddess Ganga was residing in Kamandal of Lord Brahma and along with her the Goddess Ganga brought the purity of heaven to the Earth.

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On Ganga Dussehra devotees worship Goddess Ganga and take bath in Ganges. Taking bath in Ganges and offering charity on Ganga Dussehra day is considered highly auspicious. It is believed that holy dip in Ganges on Ganga Dussehra day can purge all type of sins.

Devotees flock to Allahabad/Prayag, Garhmukteshwar, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi to take a holy dip. Ganga Dussehra celebrations are legendary in Varanasi. On Ganga Dussehra day thousands of devotees do Ganga Snan and participate in Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat.

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Uttarakhand: Devotees take holy dip in river Ganga, at Haridwar's Har ki Pauri on #GangaDussehra pic.twitter.com/DF21Jzmdhm

— ANI (@ANI_news) June 4, 2017

Uttar Pradesh: Devotees take holy dip in Varanasi on #GangaDussehra pic.twitter.com/neaiDRzN1n

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 4, 2017