News Desk, News Nation 360 : On the banks of the Kalanagini River, a tributary of the holy Ganges, at Bashtala Ferry Ghat in Kakdwip Block of South 24 Parganas district, a magnificent Ganga Aarti was held in honour of Poush Sankranti. In cooperation with Rabindra Gramme Panchayat, Rishi Bankim Gramme Panchayat, and Bapuji Gramme Panchayat, the Bharat Sevashram Sangha's rural service centre at the Manmathpur Pranab Mandir performed this special Ganga Aarti. Up till January 17, the Shri Shri Pranab Cultural Fair lasted for four days. The Ganga Aarti at Manmathpur, West Bengal, is a multi-day spiritual event full of rituals and cultural performances. On the first day, mothers lit 1001 lamps in prayer for world welfare. On the second day, it was Yugacharya Srimat Swami Pranabananda Ji Maharaj's 130th birth anniversary; 130 incense burners (dhunuchi) were used to call upon Maa Ganga and remove all misfortune. On the third day, the lighting of 130 torches was performed to ward off evil forces. On the last day, it ended with the Panch Vedic Peace Yajna in the name of the five deities for universal peace, for which Aartis were performed by priests from spiritual centres
like Varanasi, Dakshineswar, and Belur Math. Prominent guests were Swami Parasharananda Ji Maharaj and Swami Anveshananda Ji Maharaj from the Sangha along with local dignitaries. A newly constructed permanent Aarti stage filled the event with grandeur, attracting a large crowd of devotees. It was a joint event, as all of the responsibility rested upon the Bashtala Bazaar Committee, Vishalakshmi Temple Committee, Manmathpur B Badi Sangha, and Manmathpur Pranab Mandir belonging to Bharat Sevashram Sangha. Along with the Aarti, a cultural fair was also organized which featured evening performances and entertainment programs to make the atmosphere even more festive.
Pic - Courtesy
