Ganga Utsav 2023 Celebrated In Delhi Amidst Much Fanfare

The 7th edition of Ganga Utsav unfolded on November 4 in the heart of New Delhi, organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga. This year's celebrations were inaugurated by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of Do WR, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and G Asok Kumar, Special Secretary and Director General of NMCG, among other dignitaries.

The event was a melange of diverse activities designed to nurture a deeper bond between people and rivers, fostering awareness about the vital task of river rejuvenation. Ganga Utsav 2023 encompassed an array of cultural delights, from music and dance to thought-provoking dialogues.

Kicking off with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the melodious strains of the Namami Gange Anthem, the event captivated the audience with beautiful performances. Renowned artist Pt. Ajay Prasanna's Flute Recital mesmerised attendees, setting the tone for a series of engaging acts. The Bhartandey Group's evocative "Yamuna Song," Raag Nritya Kala Manch's traditional Folk Dance from Uttar Pradesh, and Jeet Paramanik's rendition of the "Namami Gange" song left the audience spellbound.

Additionally, the event saw the release of the 33rd edition of the Namami Gange Magazine, the new Chacha Chaudhary series, and the Voyage of Ganga Booklet, marking the beginning of the 2nd edition of Ganga Pustak Parikrama. Scheduled to embark on a three-month journey from Gangotri on November 7, this literary pilgrimage will traverse various cities and towns along the banks of River Ganga before culminating at Gangasagar on January 11, 2024.

The Ganga Utsav 2023 was not just an event but a convergence of various stakeholders, including NGOs, Ganga Vichar Manch, the Ganga Task Force, schools, colleges, and the Delhi Jal Board.

In her address, Debashree Mukherjee highlighted the emotional and cultural significance of the Ganga, emphasising the pivotal role it plays in our lives. She stressed the importance of preserving our rivers as a collective responsibility. Echoing this sentiment, G Asok Kumar shed light on the significant strides in the Ganga Rejuvenation efforts.

The event demonstrated a transformative shift in the approach toward river conservation, emphasising community involvement, education, and livelihood generation. The success stories of the Ganges River Dolphins and the empowerment of women volunteers along the riverbanks spoke volumes about the positive impact of these efforts.