Ganga Dussehra 2023: TV actors share nostalgic memories of celebrating the festival

New Delhi: On the auspicious occasion of Ganga Dussehra, devotees seek blessings of prosperity from this holy river. Marking the descent of Goddess Ganga, also known as the river Ganga, it is celebrated on 30 May this year. Legend has it that Ganga descended from heaven to earth on this day. During Ganga Dussehra, a large number of glowing lamps adorn the flowing waters, calling for peace and benevolence. With inexhaustible enthusiasm and vigour, this festival is celebrated happily in the various states where the Ganga flows.

&TV actors Neha Joshi (Yashoda, Second Mother), Yogesh Tripathi (Daroga Happu Singh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan) and Vidisha Srivastava (Anita Bhabhi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain) spoke about the importance and customs associated with the festival. talked about ,

Neha Joshi plays the character of Yashoda in &TV’s Doosri Maa. shares, “Ganga Dussehra, also known as Gangavataran, marks the divine descent of the holy Ganges from heaven to earth. This festival is mainly celebrated in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Uttarakhand. Devotees gather on the banks of the Ganges, engage in sacred rituals and perform aarti to the revered river. It is believed that taking a dip in its water on this auspicious day purifies the soul and cures physical ailments. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Hrishikesh for a performance, where I was mesmerized by the mesmerizing beauty of the Ganga. It was a dream come true as I witnessed for the first time the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, lighting a lamp and offering it to the divine river. It was an immense pleasure shooting in holy cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh. Many local people shared tales of the grandeur with which this festival is celebrated there. Someday, I wish to visit these places again during that time, immerse myself in the vibrant festivities and experience the true essence of the festival.

The festival of Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyestha, according to the Hindu calendar. Devotees celebrate this festival for ten long days – nine days before the main festival day.

Yogesh Tripathi aka Daroga Happu Singh of Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “Ganga Dussehra marks the celebration of the ten sacred Vedic virtues symbolizing the Ganga’s ability to cleanse the ten sins associated with thoughts, words and deeds. As my mother always insisted, devotees seek solace while pursuing liberation. Being from Uttar Pradesh, I deeply understand the deep significance of Ganga in human existence and spiritual awakening. Rising from the snow-capped peaks of Gangotri in the majestic Himalayas, the river flows through the scorching plains of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to merge into the Bay of Bengal. The confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati at Allahabad, known as Prayag, stands as a holy sanctuary of peerless reverence. Witnessing the spectacular Aarti ceremony on the banks of the river, with its leaf boats decorated with flames and flowers, is an ethereal experience during the twilight hours. It is indeed a blissful encounter that resonates with the eternal beauty of this holy river.

Ganga Dussehra is also known as Gangavataran, which marks the descent of Goddess Ganga on earth. The festival usually falls a day before Nirjala Ekadashi, but at times both fall on the same day.

Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain’s Vidisha Srivastava aka Anita Bhabhi, Shares, “Devotees seek blessings from the holy river Ganga for good luck. During my childhood, I used to play happily near the serene ghats of the Ganges and watch the mesmerizing sight of innumerable lamps in its flowing water during the festival. This beautiful ritual symbolizes the search for peace and goodness. During this time of the year, people from all over the world congregate in Varanasi to participate in the pious act of bathing in the holy river. Also, my mother faithfully followed the tradition of offering tenfold. Whether he was presenting ten types of flowers, fragrances, lamps, tarpan, betel nuts, or fruits, he emphasized the importance of the number ten. While taking a dip in the Ganges, it was customary to take ten holy dips. In our family, this auspicious day is of great importance for acquiring valuable assets, buying a new vehicle or entering a new house. I yearn to be present in the city this year, yearn to re-live these cherished experiences.

Watch Doosri Maa at 8:00 PM, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain at 10:30 PM every Monday to Friday only on &TV.