In Uttar Pradesh, lakhs of people today took a holy dip on the banks of river Ganga on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra. According to a legend, the Ganga descended to the earth on Ganga Dussehra day and bathing in the river on this auspicious day washes away all sins. <br/><br/>It is believed that the descendent of King Sagar of Ayodhya, Bhagirath had prayed to bring Ganga on earth to wash away the sins of his forefathers. <br/><br/>The people today thronged various ghats of Ganga in Varanasi and Sangam in Allahabad and prayed for well being of their near and dear ones after having bath in the holy rivers. <br/><br/>In Ayodhya also, lakhs of people took dip in holy Saryu River and prayed in famous temples of the town including Sri Ram Janma Bhumi. <br/><br/>In Mathura, the people thronged banks of river Yamuna and performed religious rites after taking the holy dip. Special ‘Maha Arti’ has been organised on the banks of Ganga this evening in Varanasi.