The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) organized Ganga Utsav - The River Festival 2022 on November 4th in New Delhi, celebrating the Ganga and other Indian rivers. The event was held in two sessions, attended by dignitaries, including Union Ministers Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Shri G. Kishan Reddy, and other officials. This year’s Utsav was part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, marking 75 years of India’s independence.
The Utsav aimed to honor India’s rivers, following the vision set out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shri Shekhawat praised the Namami Gange program’s efforts to restore the Ganga and called for continued public participation, emphasizing the Ganga’s role as a cultural and economic lifeline for millions. Shri Reddy highlighted the importance of Jan Bhagidari (public participation) in river conservation, noting that Ganga supports 40% of India’s population and is essential to India’s culture and heritage.
The morning session opened with a water conservation ritual, the Ganga Kalash, followed by the Namami Gange Anthem. The audience enjoyed traditional performances, including a Siddha Veena recital by Pandit Siddharta Banerjee and classical dance routines by Megha Nair and team. The festival also featured a panel discussion on “Women and Water,” where women leaders discussed their roles in water conservation.
A special film screening of Ek Ank inspired individual participation in river conservation, while a Nukkad Natak (street play) encouraged public responsibility in keeping rivers clean.
In the evening, Ganga Arti and another round of the Namami Gange Anthem set a spiritual tone, followed by a performance on Ganga’s journey by Padmashri G. Padmaja Reddyand group. Key contributors to the Clean Ganga Fund and organizations involved in river clean-ups received recognition from the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The event also engaged the public through painting and pottery workshops, book and food stalls, and cultural performances, highlighting Ganga’s significance. Ganga Utsav 2022 strengthened connections between people and rivers, celebrating public participation as the foundation for sustainable river conservation in India.