‘The Ganga as it flows’ by Professor Pushpesh Pant, Part-1
Gyan-Pravaha
Description
The discourse describes the origins and various myths related to the river Ganga. Though it may not be the world's largest and longest river, it's ‘greatness’ for people is incomparable. Professor Pushpesh Pant explains how the Ganga is significant. The flow of the Ganga from Gaumukh glacier, ahead of Gangotri temple, until it dispels in the Sagar Sangam Dweep, has different myths and stories in its journey, extracted from multiple sources. Its importance is reflected even in the sculpture of Arjun's penance and 'The Descent of Ganga' in faraway Tamil Nadu, around 2500-2750 km from Gaumukh. He also touches upon the importance of the Kumbh Mela, organized on the banks of river Ganga, as an integral part of Indian traditions for a thousand years. According to historical records, there are instances where many rulers accorded great importance to the Ganga, like Harsha giving huge donations during the Kumbh festival or Akbar drinking water only from the Ganga. The Ganga becoming toxic due to the waste from factories situated nearby being dumped into it is also stressed by him.
Project Title
The Ganga Project
Duration
16:50
Language
English, Hindi
DOCUMENT TYPE
Video
Identifier:
LIV001
Related Term
Oral Traditions
USE RESTRICTIONS
In Copyright
RIGHTS HOLDER
INTACH