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The Ganga’s Return To Gangotri
 Religious journeys or yatras are a traditional part of Indian ritual and the custom extends to include the images of certain deities, which are taken in procession from one temple to another, especially in the hills. At Gangotri, the source of the river Ganga, is a temple dedicated to the goddess who personifies this sacred river. Every winter the deity is carried to her winter abode and returned to Gangotri when spring comes again.
By November, Gangotri becomes snow-bound. To protect pious  worshippers from the clutches of the fierce cold, the deity retreats to Mukhba, its winter abode, 25 kms downstream. With the onset of summer, snow begins to melt in the dizzy Himalayan heights and this tiny hamlet throbs with life once again. It is time for the deity to return to Her summer home at Gangotri where thousands of pilgrims come to pay their homage.
This annual yatra or procession takes place in the first week of May every year. For the people of this valley, it is an important event and they participate in the yatra with enthusiasm. On the auspicious day, the valley reverberates to the beat of drums. A number of processions straggle over the hills – all converging at Mukhba. Because the Ganga is  an important deity, several lesser deities accompany the goddess when she returns to Her summer home. They come mounted on colourful palanquins. Suddenly the desolate courtyard of Mukhba becomes a dancing ground where deities dance on meeting each other after the long winter. From here the procession heads towards Gangotri. The arduous climb fails to dampen the spirits of the hardy villagers.
When the procession reaches Gangotri, everyone dances in the temple courtyard. The more zealous devotees plunge into the ice-cold river. They seem to be in a trance as they dance in the frigid water. There is great joy among the people as nature joins them in their rejoicing. The silent Himalayas echo the drum beats and the sun seems to smile from behind the clouds. The air holds a promise of the long months of prayers and festivity ahead.
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