Holy dips and prayers mark spiritual fervor
KOLKATA — Across towns and riverbanks in West Bengal, thousands of devotees observed Ganga Saptami on Saturday, May 3, with a spirit of devotion and community celebration. The occasion marks the mythical descent of the Goddess Ganga from the heavens to Earth, a moment deeply rooted in Hindu traditions.
Ceremonies were held at major ghats in Nabadwip, Howrah, Barrackpore, and Berhampore, where devotees performed early morning rituals, chanted hymns, and released floating diyas on the river. Long queues formed near temple complexes dedicated to Ganga, particularly at the Nabadwip Ghat where over 10,000 people participated, according to local estimates.
District administrations oversee safety and hygiene
Local municipalities deployed teams to manage crowd movement, distribute drinking water, and ensure waste collection. At some locations, police barricading and drone surveillance were introduced to prevent stampedes, particularly in Howrah and Chandannagar, where high footfall was expected.
“We set up temporary changing rooms and first-aid booths in partnership with NGOs,” said a Nabadwip Municipality official. “This year’s turnout was 20% higher than 2024.”
Religious leaders emphasize ecological awareness
Priests and environmental activists used the occasion to raise awareness about pollution in the Ganga. At a gathering in Serampore, Swami Adityananda of Bharat Sevashram Sangha urged devotees to use organic offerings and avoid plastic. Volunteers distributed leaflets and biodegradable containers near ghats.
In Kolkata, the Ganga Arati held at Prinsep Ghat was attended by over 3,000 people and streamed live by local news channels. “This is not just a ritual but a call to protect our sacred river,” said cultural organizer Sanchita Dey.
Ganga Saptami gains younger followers
This year saw a noticeable rise in youth participation. “We learned about the significance of Ganga Saptami in school and came with friends,” said 16-year-old Ananya from Kalyani. Social media platforms were abuzz with photos and live videos from the ghats, giving the festival wider visibility beyond state lines.
