Varanasi: Locked Ganga Dussehra observed in Kashi. It was a ‘locked’ Ganga Dussehra celebration on Monday in Kashi, which in normal time used to witness the assembly of huge crowds along the ghats to take holy bath in Ganga and offer prayer at Kashi Vishwanath Temple and other shrines.
It was the scare of coronavirus that left the entire stretch of majestic riverfront with a deserted look as a gathering of devotees is restricted to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Only symbolic rituals were allowed to selected few on the ghats. The mass bathing was completely banned. The presence of police and paramilitary personnel along the ghats to prevent social and religious gathering gave a curfew like feel.
Locked Ganga Dussehra in Kashi
The district magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma had already made clear a day before the celebration that mass bathing or religious activities would be not allowed on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, as Section 144 (which prohibits assembly of four or more people in an area) of CrPc is currently in force in the district. The violation of the prohibitory order would be viewed with strictness and serious legal action would be taken against such people.
Vedic practice -an antidote to Corona Virus
Taking a dip in the river on this day is considered a means for devotees to get rid of their sins. Mythologically, Ganga Dussehra, also known as Gangavataran, is a Hindu festival celebrating the descending of Ganga from heaven to the earth. Ganga Dussehra is celebrated place on Dashami (10th day) of the waxing moon of the Hindu calendar month Jyeshtha.
Besides, the traditional religious procession for offering Gangajal to Lord Vishwanath as well as taking dip in holy Ganga will also remain restricted on the occasion of Nirjala Ekadashi on Tuesday. The DM said that no rituals like bathing in Ganga and offering Jalabhishek at temples of Lord Shiva would be permitted in the district. He also made an appeal to the people to stay home and perform the tradition rituals indoors only.
The deployment of magistrates and police at the ghats and roads leading to the riverfront had been started from Sunday night. The DM said that these officials would monitor the areas till the end of festivities on Tuesday night.
