A striking symbol of Kanpur's rich history and cultural heritage, Ganga Mela was celebrated in Kanpur on March 13.

• For the first time the mela was observed in 1942 and since then it has become a tradition to celebrate it.
• It is also called ‘second Holi’ which is celebrated on the 5th or the 7th day of the Holi festival in auspicious ‘Anuradha Nakshtra’ which is awaited by everyone irrespective of caste and creed.
• Historians say that in 1942 when people were fighting to get freedom from the British rule, they not only played Holi in a grand manner on the day of Holi ignoring the ban imposed by the Britishers, but also hoisted the tricolour in Rajjan Babu Park situated in Hatia Bazar.