Haridwar, May 25 -- A large number of devotees gathered on the banks of the Ganga on Monday in Haridwar on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra and took a holy dip in the sacred river.

Devotees were seen taking ritual baths in the Ganga. It is believed that a holy dip washes away sins and brings spiritual purification on the occasion that marks the festival that celebrates the descent of the Ganga to Earth

The religious observance was held as part of Ganga Dussehra, a Hindu festival that marks the descent of the River Ganga from heaven to Earth, according to ancient scriptures.

Meanwhile, priests performed special prayers along the ghats, while thousands of pilgrims and tourists participated in the ritual bathing and evening aarti on the ban...