Page 58 - Sugam Sarita

and cultural river Ganga via storytelling, folklore, talks with famous

persons, quizzes, traditional artforms on display, dance and music
performances by renowned artists, picture galleries and exhibitions,
and much more. The Utsav celebrates the majesty of the holy river
Ganga while also appreciating and practising cultural richness along

the Ganga. The celebration held on its Ghats has significant spiritual
significance.

Chhath is a traditional Hindu celebration that originated in the
Indian subcontinent, notably Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand,

as well as the southern sections of Nepal. During Chhath puja, prayers
are offered to Surya, the sun deity, to express thanks and thankfulness
for imparting the riches of life on earth and to pray that particular
requests be realised. 69 students mostly from Madhya Pradesh and

Uttar Pradesh said that Chhath was one of the most renowned
festivals in these states that was celebrated on the banks of the rivers
passing through their cities.

The Visarjan, which is well-known in Maharashtra, is one of the

primary festivals held on the banks of rivers. On the final day of the
Ganesh Chaturthi Festival and the Navaratri Festival, the idols of
gods and goddesses, typically Lord Ganesh and Goddess Durga, are
submerged. 609 students noticed that the visarjan was well-known in

their respective cities. In Kolkata, these processions are equally well-
known. 217 students voted for festivals and rituals like the last rights,
Mahashivratri, the Bali pooja, etc.

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