Ganga Utsav 2024: Celebrating the River Ganga in Haridwar
The spiritual city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India, is all set to host the eighth edition of the Ganga Utsav on November 4. This event, organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), aims to promote the conservation of the River Ganga and raise awareness about its cultural and spiritual significance.
Event Highlights
The festival will be inaugurated by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, with several distinguished guests in attendance. A key feature of this year’s event is the Women’s River Rafting Campaign, where 20 women will journey from Devprayag to Ganga Sagar over 50 days to spread awareness about the Ganga River.
Initiatives and Cultural Programs
Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director General of NMCG, highlighted efforts to revive the ‘Mahseer’ fish species in the river. The event will also see the launch of new products and knowledge portals on the Ganga. Cultural programs, including a performance by actor Ashutosh Rana, Ganga Aarti, and a sound and light show, will be featured.
Objectives and Acknowledgments
The Ganga Utsav aims to educate the youth about the river’s importance and acknowledge the efforts of those working for river cleanliness and conservation. This year marks the first time the event will be held on the riverbank, celebrating the Ganga’s designation as India’s ‘National River’.
The celebration will span 139 districts within the Ganga basin, coordinated by District Ganga Committees, with each state hosting a primary event. Prominent guests include Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other key officials.
Doubts Revealed
Ganga Utsav -: Ganga Utsav is a festival celebrating the River Ganga, which is very important in India for its cultural and religious significance. It is held to promote the conservation and cleanliness of the river.
Haridwar -: Haridwar is a city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a holy city for Hindus and is located on the banks of the River Ganga.
Union Minister CR Patil -: CR Patil is a politician in India who is serving as the Union Jal Shakti Minister. The Jal Shakti Ministry is responsible for water resources and river development in India.
National Mission for Clean Ganga -: This is a program by the Indian government aimed at cleaning and conserving the River Ganga. It organizes events and activities to promote awareness about keeping the river clean.
Women’s River Rafting Campaign -: This is an activity where women participate in rafting on the river. It is part of the festival to encourage women’s involvement in river conservation activities.
Mahseer fish species -: Mahseer is a type of fish found in Indian rivers, including the Ganga. Efforts are being made to revive this species because it is important for the river’s ecosystem.
Ashutosh Rana -: Ashutosh Rana is an Indian actor known for his work in films and television. He will be performing at the Ganga Utsav to entertain and engage the audience.