Prayagraj, the holy city on the banks of the Ganga, witnessed a unique display of women empowerment on the auspicious occasion of Ganga Dashehra. For the first time, women conducted the traditional Ganga Aarti, a symbolic act that usually involves male priests. This landmark event took place under the auspices of the “Jai Triveni Jai Prayagraj Aarti Samiti,” and saw women confidently holding the aarti thali and performing the entire ritual.
These women, who underwent special training for this unique responsibility, will now conduct the aarti at least once a week, as well as on special occasions. This initiative, while unprecedented, is a testament to the growing movement of women empowerment in India, signifying that women are no longer restricted to traditional roles and are breaking barriers in various fields.
It is also noteworthy that the initiative was not confined to women from any particular community, but included women from various backgrounds, highlighting the inclusive nature of the movement.
The Aarti Samiti’s chief priest, Pradeep Pandey, emphasized that women are no longer lagging behind men in any field, and this initiative echoes the message of women empowerment promoted by Prime Minister Modi and his government. Participants in the aarti, like Shreyasi Pandey, Anushka Singh, and Vaishnavi Kesrawani, shared their pride in being part of this historical event, which they consider a privilege and a testament to their growing strength.
The Aarti Samiti has dedicated seven platforms for the aarti and uses seven aarti thalis daily. Nine young women, all dressed in traditional attire, have been trained so far to perform the ritual. Mr Pandey believes this new tradition in Prayagraj could mark a significant turning point, and there was no better occasion to launch it than the Ganga Dashehra.
This innovative step in Prayagraj signifies a progressive change in society, where women are taking on roles that were previously considered exclusive to men. This is not merely a religious ceremony but a symbol of evolving societal norms and a step towards a future where women are empowered and valued for their diverse contributions. The hope is that this tradition will inspire similar initiatives across the country, further promoting women’s empowerment and creating a more inclusive society.
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