Varanasi: People gather in large numbers at Dashashwamedh Ghat for 'Ganga Mahotsav 2024'

Ganga Mahotsav is conducted every year for five consecutive days. This year, it is being conducted from November 11 to November 15, according to the official portal of Kashi.

During the event, conducted on Tuesday evening, Kathak Dancer Yasmin Singh and her team presented a performance based on the 'Ardhanareshwar'- half form of Shiva through Vandana.

Yasmin Singh told ANI that she and her entire team are glad that they performed in the Ganga Mahotsav 2024.

She said, "I gave my first performance in Varanasi in 2012 in Meri Ganga Mausam, after that now in 2024, I came here and I presented my performance here again. Today's performance was based on the Ardhanareshwar form of Shiva in which we presented the half form of Shiva through our Vandana. After that, I staged the half form of Shiva which is his Sakti, I did Parvati ji, her Sadhana to get Shiva presented through a bhajan through Om Hari Om...I and my entire team are very happy. We are very happy and very joyful. Having seen the Aarti here, the cheering and the enthusiasm of the people here, we are feeling very fortunate..."

According to the official portal of Kashi, "The Ganga Mahotsav is an annual, five-day grand festival celebrated in Varanasi, India, with the primary aim of showcasing the cultural heritage and significance of the sacred River Ganges. This event attracts visitors from across the globe and serves as a beautiful celebration that reveres the river and its profound spiritual importance in Varanasi."

"Throughout the festival's duration, a diverse array of cultural performances takes place, encompassing classical music and dance recitals, captivating art exhibitions, boat races, and the Ganga Aarti, a significant worship ceremony held at the renowned Dashashwamedh Ghat. The Ganga Aarti involves elaborate rituals performed by priests, accompanied by hymns, and the sight of lamps and candles floating on the water," it added. (ANI)