Ganga Dussehra, North India

Ten days of the month are devoted to the worship of holy river Ganga, venerated by the Hindus as a mother as well as a goddess. Places along the banks of the river such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Garh-Mukteswar, Prayag, Varanasi, etc., hold special significance during this event. Devotees flock to these places to bathe in the holy rove. In Haridwar, 'aartis' are performed at twilight and a large number of devotees meditate on riverbanks.