Patna: Patna is set to witness its first-ever 12-day Ganga Mahotsav at Kangan Ghat, beginning June 5. Organised by the Sanatani Ganga Foundation, the event will bring together a vibrant confluence of tradition, culture, and environmental consciousness. Preparations are already underway, including the installation of a 41-foot statue of the river goddess Ganga at the venue.
One of the major attractions of the festival will be the participation of international artists. A group of eight young performers from Cambodia will present a special Ganga Aarti. The event will also feature 100 classical dancers, 11 Rishi Kumaris, and 1,000 women performing a grand Aarti in a spectacular showcase of Indian classical dance forms such as Kathak, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and Sattriya.
Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, widely recognised for his roles as Bhishma Pitamah in Mahabharata and as Shaktimaan, is expected to grace the occasion.
At its core, the festival aims to promote awareness about the importance of cleaning the Ganga river. To highlight the contrast in water purity, a Gangajal Rath has been brought from Gangotri to Patna. The event seeks to educate the public on the stark differences between the pristine source of the river and its current condition in the city.
The initiative has already generated excitement among residents, with large crowds anticipated for the spiritual and cultural festivities.
