Prof. (Dr.) Manmohan Prakash
The civilization and culture of India evolved along the banks of rivers. In India, rivers are not regarded merely as streams of water, but as the very foundation of life, faith, culture, and nature. Whether small or long, shallow or deep, seasonal or perennial, every river has its own significance and is revered.
The festival of Ganga Dussehra, celebrated on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, symbolizes the descent of Mother Ganga to Earth. According to religious belief, it was on this day that Mother Ganga descended from heaven to Earth, pleased by the intense penance of King Bhagiratha, bringing welfare and salvation to humanity.
Ganga Dussehra is not merely a religious festival or a ritual confined only to the River Ganga. Rather, it conveys the message of preserving the purity, cleanliness, and uninterrupted flow of all rivers in the country. Today, when most Indian cities are struggling with severe water scarcity during the scorching summer season, and our rivers are suffering from pollution, encroachment, and excessive exploitation of water resources, this festival gives us an opportunity for introspection. It is a time to reflect upon whether we are truly fulfilling our responsibilities toward these life-giving rivers.
In Indian tradition, rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, and Kshipra are respectfully addressed as “Mother.” The Vedas, Puranas, and epics contain elaborate praise of these rivers. The Rigveda describes rivers as sources of prosperity, purity, and consciousness. In the Indian knowledge tradition, water occupies a special place among the five great elements, and the phrase “Apo Hishtha Mayobhuvah” declares water to be the basis of happiness and well-being.
In reality, rivers are not only centers of religious faith but also the primary basis of agriculture, drinking water, biodiversity, fisheries, energy production, and livelihoods. Millions of people in India depend directly or indirectly on these rivers.
However, at present, rivers are facing multidimensional challenges. Untreated sewage from cities, industrial waste, plastic garbage, fertilizers, and pesticides flowing from chemical farming are turning rivers toxic. In many places, even in the name of religious faith, worship materials, idols, and other waste are immersed in rivers, which is deeply concerning.
Today, the situation has become so alarming that the natural flow of many rivers has been obstructed. Due to unplanned dam construction, encroachments, and excessive exploitation, many perennial rivers have now become seasonal, while several others are on the verge of extinction. This has directly affected groundwater levels and destroyed river biodiversity. Numerous aquatic species are nearing extinction.
Under such adverse circumstances, the core message of Ganga Dussehra cannot remain limited merely to ritual bathing and offering prayers. Its real purpose is to awaken reverence for water, sensitivity toward nature, and responsibility toward the environment. If we truly wish to honor rivers, we must take a firm pledge to keep them free from pollution.
The worship of rivers and the grand aarti ceremonies performed on their banks will become meaningful only when:
(i)Dumping garbage and plastic into rivers is completely stopped.
(ii)One hundred percent treatment of sewage and industrial waste is ensured.
(iii)Dense plantation and green belts are developed along riverbanks.
(iv)Rainwater harvesting and water conservation are transformed into a mass movement.
(v)The natural and uninterrupted flow of rivers is preserved.
We must understand that protecting rivers is not solely the responsibility of the government; it is a shared responsibility of society and administration alike. While the administration must ensure effective sewage management, strict industrial regulations, and rigorous enforcement of river conservation laws, society too must change its lifestyle and keep rivers free from human-generated waste.
Schools, religious institutions, social organizations, village councils, and religious gatherings of saints and spiritual leaders must undertake extensive awareness campaigns for river conservation. At pilgrimage sites, a culture of “clean bathing, safe bathing, and sensitive bathing” must be developed. Separate collection centers for the disposal of worship materials should be established away from riverbanks, and eco-friendly alternatives should be encouraged.
Ecologists believe that a river is not merely a reservoir of water, but a living ecosystem. When a river’s flow is obstructed, its very life comes under threat. Therefore, along with the “cleanliness” of rivers, their “continuous flow” is equally essential. Indian wisdom also states: “Nadi Vegena Shuddhyati” i.e. a river remains pure through its natural flow.
Hence, today we need sustainable development policies and practices that can establish an ideal balance between nature and progress.
Ganga Dussehra reminds us that water is life, and rivers are the heartbeat of this life. Only if rivers remain clean and flowing can the future of human civilization remain secure. Worshipping a single river for just one day in a year is not enough to fulfill our duty; our devotion will become meaningful only when we take responsibility for protecting all rivers every single day.
Let us all take a collective pledge this Ganga Dussehra that we shall not merely worship rivers, but also strive to keep them clean, pure, and ever-flowing.
