Starting from the Himalayan mountains, the Ganges River flows through the northern region of India. Despite being considered one of the most polluted rivers globally, the Ganges remains a popular destination for millions of spiritually inclined people who seek its cleansing and healing properties. The river holds significant value for the Hindu community, especially during the Kumbh Mela festival, where devotees gather to purify their souls.
The Power to Cleanse Sins
Kumbh Mela is a religious festival that takes place four times over a 12-year period and is attended by faithful Hindus who come to bathe in four sacred rivers, including the Ganges. According to tradition, entering the waters of the sacred river is a purifying experience, as the waters of the Ganges and the other sacred rivers are believed to have restorative properties that help the believer feel an inner sense of cleanliness, despite any past wrongdoings. During this festival, some also drink the water that flows through the Ganges.
A Curative Experience
Bathing in the Ganges is not only a sacred tradition during Kumbh Mela, but also a daily ritual for about 2 million people. The Ganges River is considered the purest and holiest water in the world. Many believe that a quick dip in its waters can cure any ailment.
Save the River that Saves
The Ganges, a river known for its spiritual powers to cleanse and heal, is in dire need of saving. Despite millions of devotees seeking its benefits, the pollution levels of this once-pristine water body continue to rise. It is important to note that the spiritual practices in the Ganges are just a small part of the overall problem of river pollution.
Foreign manufacturers with factories in India release industrial pollutants into the Ganges River, which has a negative impact on the river’s water quality, making it unsafe for locals to swim and for Hindus to perform religious rituals. The increasing population of the areas that rely on the Ganges for water has put a strain on its water levels, as agricultural demands become heavier. Additionally, due to global warming, the glacial ice available in the Himalayas (the source of the Ganges) is rapidly depleting. As a result, the gushing waters of this sacred river may eventually turn into a mere trickle.
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Ese Agboh is a student nurse who wants to specialize in pediatric nursing and wound care. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing articles related to medicine and the pathophysiology of communicable diseases. Ese currently lives and studies on the east coast of the United States.
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