Ganga Dussehra Celebrations Draw Thousands of Devotees in Uttar Pradesh

On Ganga Dussehra, thousands of devotees gathered at the River Ganga and temples across Uttar Pradesh to participate in prayers, rituals, and holy dips. Celebrations in Varanasi included Vedic rituals and special ceremonies at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham. BJP MLA Neelkanth Tiwari highlighted the government's efforts to clean the river, while devotees expressed their spiritual beliefs surrounding this auspicious occasion. The day is marked by significant religious activities, including the worship of Lord Hanuman, enhancing its spiritual importance.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 26, 2026, 11:50 IST

Massive Gatherings for Ganga Dussehra

Representational Image

New Delhi, May 26: On Tuesday, thousands of devotees flocked to the banks of the River Ganga and various temples throughout Uttar Pradesh to celebrate Ganga Dussehra, engaging in prayers, holy dips, and elaborate religious rituals.

In Varanasi, vibrant festivities took place at Devi Ahilyabai Ghat, where participants engaged in Vedic rituals, conch shell ceremonies, and the ceremonial milk abhishek of Maa Ganga. The ghats were bustling with devotees offering prayers and performing ritual baths in the sacred river.

The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust organized a significant religious event in honor of Ganga Dussehra.

During the early morning hours, a special aarti and abhishek of Maa Ganga were conducted at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham ghats. The idol of Maa Ganga within the temple complex was worshipped with full rituals accompanied by Vedic chants.

BJP MLA Neelkanth Tiwari spoke to reporters about the initiatives launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at cleaning the River Ganga.

“Prime Minister Modi holds deep reverence for Maa Ganga, viewing her as a mother. He has expressed that Maa Ganga called him. In this spirit, initiatives like Namami Gange were introduced for her cleaning and rejuvenation,” he stated.

Many devotees also visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to pay their respects to Baba Kashi Vishwanath and Maa Ganga.

It is believed that bathing and worshipping during Ganga Dussehra brings spiritual purification and liberation to devotees.

Programme Coordinator Dr. Pawan Shukla mentioned, “A grand event was held at Devi Ahilyabai Ghat under Neelkanth Tiwari's leadership. Guided by Acharya Udit Narayan Mishra, 51 young priests performed the milk abhishek of Maa Ganga using 21 liters of milk, conducted Shodashopachar worship, and performed the Ganga Aarti.”

In Prayagraj, large crowds gathered at the renowned Hanuman Temple during the fourth Bada Mangal of Jyeshtha.

Devotees prayed and sought blessings from Lord Hanuman while observing Ganga Dussehra.

A devotee in Prayagraj remarked, “Today marks Ganga Dussehra, the day Bhagirathi brought Mother Ganga to Earth, and upon her arrival, Maa Ganga blessed humanity…”

Mahant Balveer Giri Maharaj from Prayagraj stated, “This sacred time is spiritually significant, and worshipping Lord Hanuman during this period enhances its importance. Currently, we are observing both Ganga Dussehra and the Nau Tapa period, with special prayers being offered to Lord Hanuman, who is believed to provide relief during the intense heat.”