Page 57 - Sugam Sarita

The festivals associated on the site of the river.

Fig. No. 3.4: The festivals associated on the site of the river

It was observed that 336 students noticed that religious activities

of Deep daan and Ghat Aarti were carried out on the banks of the
river. Neo-Buddhists observe Deep Daan Utsav on Kartik Amavasya,
according to the Hindu calendar. While it is known as ‘Diwali’ or ‘the

festival of lights’ throughout India, its past is fraught with myth and
appropriation. The activities surrounding the festival of lights may
appear pan-Indian, however there are several historical perspectives
on Diwali.

Ganga Aarti is a large-scale ceremony performed every morning
and evening on the banks of the sacred Ganges. Aarti is performed
by priests at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The entire Ghat is bathed in
heavenly light, which may be sensed profoundly. Huge brass lights
are lighted with oil for the majestic ritual, and priests sing sacred

chants that resound over the whole region.

According to 46 students, the Ganga Utsav is one of the most well-
known events on the Ganga’s banks. The Utsav honours the mystical

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