May 2024, I came in the lap of Himalayas again. Another trip of multiple Ganga walks in the state of Uttarakhand in India to explore more of the landscape of the sacred river Ganga. I planned this trip coinciding with the celebrated Maa Ganga Doli yatra.
On Akshaya Tritiya, every year, Maa Ganga arrives at Gangotri Dham after spending six months at her winter abode Mukhimath, Mukhwa. Gangotri Dham becomes remote due to heavy snowfall in winter therefore Goddess Ganga idol relocates to Mukhwa for winter worshipping.
Ceremonial Doli of Maa Ganga leaves Mukhimath at around noon, the day before Akshaya Tritiya, amid chants of Har Har Gange, Jai Maa Gange. Thousands of people attend the Doli ceremony. On the way, some rituals are performed at Markandeya temple and Goddess temple with night halt at Bhairavnath temple, Bhairon Ghati.
The Akshaya Tritiya morning, Maa Ganga Doli leaves Bhairon Ghati and arrives at Gangotri Dham temple around 9 in the morning. After a few hours of rituals, Goddess Ganga enters the temple in the afternoon.
I was privileged to walk with the divine Doli and capture yatra moments on 9th & 10th May.
Divine Yatra Moments
What an amazing experience! Getting to be a part of that must have been so uplifting. It looks like a wonderful celebration.
Absolutely uplifting being part of such divine celebration.
Last year I embarked on the sacred pilgrimage, my heart brimming with devotion. As the sun kissed the snow-capped peaks, pilgrims chanted hymns, their footsteps echoing through the narrow mountain trails. Alongside fellow seekers, I felt the divine embrace of the holy river, its waters washing away worries, leaving only reverence and bliss.
Wow! You had the divine experience.
It sounds like a great experience and something you will remember forever. the scenery looks amazing as well
Memories forever.
What an incredible experience that must have been done. So good that you were able to coincide with mas ganga x
Incredible experience indeed.
What a beautiful place to visit. I love all the colors.
Thank you.
It’s truly fascinating to learn about the rituals and traditions surrounding this auspicious occasion, especially the journey of the ceremonial Doli and the devotion of thousands of attendees.
Absolutely fascinating.
What a colorful and vibrant celebration! So amazing that you got to experience this and share it with us. Thank you!
Thank you Tammy.
Thanks so much for sharing about this lovely celebration, I’ve enjoyed my read of your journey especially the Yatra route comprises jungle trail and road there. Cheers SiennyLovesDrawing
Adventurous and spiritual.
It looks like such an amazing celebration and what a wonderful way to immerse yourself in culture.
Truly so.
I never knew this happened. What a positive ritual to experience and be a part of.
Divine experience indeed.