The 2019 edition of Ganga Utsav, organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), was a vibrant celebration held at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi. This event commemorated the declaration of the Ganga as India's National River and aimed to raise awareness about river conservation while bringing people together to honour the cultural and ecological importance of the Ganga.
Inauguration and Key Messages
The festival was inaugurated by Hon'ble Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who shared the government’s commitment to restoring and preserving the Ganga and its tributaries. Shri Shekhawat emphasized that Ganga is more than a river; it is a lifeline that touches the lives of millions and holds a unique place in India's heritage and spirituality. The event also featured Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General of NMCG, who underscored the importance of community involvement in the Namami Gange mission, stressing that river rejuvenation must be a collective effort and Shri Rajeev Khandelwal,who has become a face for Ganga’s advocacy through his travelogue Show “Rag Rag Mein Ganga” being aired on Doordarshan.
Cultural Performances and Engagement Activities
Ganga Utsav 2019 brought together a rich array of performances, cultural expressions, and educational sessions designed to foster a deep connection with Ganga's legacy. The event featured classical and folk dances, including an awe-inspiring Ganga Aarti performance that evoked the spirit of devotion to the river. Acclaimed artists, such as Shubhendra Rao and Saskia Rao de Haas, performed a symphony dedicated to Ganga, captivating audiences with a musical narrative that celebrated the river’s beauty and significance.
Adding to the festivities, interactive storytelling sessions for children brought mythological and cultural stories about Ganga to life. These sessions were led by noted storytellers who used traditional tales to impart the value of environmental stewardship and respect for nature.
The Ganga Quest and Youth Engagement
One of the highlights of Ganga Utsav 2019 was the Ganga Quest, an interactive quiz competition organized in partnership with Tree Craze Foundation. This quiz engaged thousands of school children across India, testing their knowledge about rivers, the environment, and sustainable practices. The competition aimed to inspire a sense of responsibility among young participants, making them aware of their role in conservation and environmental protection.
Interactive Exhibits and Green Initiatives
The Utsav featured a diverse range of exhibits, including interactive kiosks and installations showcasing NMCG’s work under the Namami Gange project. These exhibits demonstrated the tangible impact of initiatives such as sewage treatment projects, riverbank cleaning, biodiversity conservation, and awareness campaigns. Visitors learned about the critical importance of reducing plastic use, recycling, and adopting sustainable practices to protect water resources.
To emphasize practical environmental actions, the event included a tree-planting drive, waste segregation workshops, and demonstrations on sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. Attendees were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly habits, making conservation a part of their everyday lives.
Engaging Stakeholders and Moving Forward
Ganga Utsav 2019 provided a platform for community members, environmentalists, government officials, and young people to come together and pledge their support for the Ganga rejuvenation mission. The festival underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors and generations to achieve a cleaner, healthier river.
Through its blend of culture, education, and action-oriented initiatives, Ganga Utsav 2019 served as a meaningful reminder of the need for collective responsibility in protecting one of India's most cherished rivers. The festival concluded with a renewed commitment from all attendees to uphold and further the efforts of the Namami Gange mission, ensuring that the Ganga and other rivers continue to thrive for generations to come.