Ganga Dussehra is one of the most sacred festivals in Hinduism, marking the divine descent of the holy River Ganga from the heavens to Earth. It is believed that on this auspicious day, Goddess Ganga appeared to purify the world of sins and to bless humanity with her divine presence. The festival symbolizes spiritual cleansing, forgiveness, and liberation.
According to ancient scriptures, King Bhagirath of the Ikshvaku dynasty performed intense penance to bring the River Ganga down from heaven to Earth so that the souls of his ancestors could attain salvation. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Brahma granted his wish, and with Lord Shiva’s help—who caught Ganga in his matted locks to lessen her fierce flow—the river descended upon the Earth.
This divine event occurred on the Dashami (tenth day) of the waxing moon in the month of Jyeshtha, under the Hasta Nakshatra, and is commemorated as Ganga Dussehra.
Ganga Dussehra holds deep spiritual meaning within Sanatan Dharma. It is believed that:
Bathing in the Ganges on this day washes away sins committed across many lifetimes.
Devotees who worship Mother Ganga with a pure heart receive her everlasting blessings.
Performing charity and acts of kindness multiplies one’s virtue tenfold.
The number ten represents the cleansing of ten types of sins—hence the name Dussehra (“Dasha” meaning ten, “Hara” meaning destruction).
It is also said that even a single drop of Ganga water holds nectar-like purity, bringing healing, peace, and divine grace.
Ganga Dussehra occurs every year on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Jyeshtha (May–June).
In 2024, it fell on Sunday, June 16, with auspicious timings including Brahma Muhurta, Abhijit Muhurta, and Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga.
On this day, devotees across India—especially in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, and Prayagraj—take holy dips in the Ganges and participate in grand Ganga Aartis at sunset.
Long ago, King Sagara performed a great Ashwamedha Yajna. When Indra stole the sacrificial horse and hid it in Sage Kapila’s hermitage, Sagara’s sixty thousand sons went in search of it and disturbed the sage’s meditation. In anger, he reduced them to ashes.
King Sagara’s descendant, Bhagirath, undertook deep penance to bring the celestial river Ganga down to Earth to liberate their souls.
Ganga agreed to descend, but her powerful flow could have flooded the Earth. Thus, Lord Shiva received her in his locks, releasing her gently to follow Bhagirath’s chariot toward the ashes of his ancestors.
Finally, as her sacred waters touched the ashes, their souls were freed—earning Ganga the name Bhagirathi. She is also called Jahnavi after being released from Sage Jahnu’s earthen vessel.
If you wish to perform Ganga Dussehra puja, follow these simple steps:
Morning Bath: Bathe in the Ganges or use a few drops of Ganga water mixed with regular water at home.
Set up the Puja: Place a red cloth on a wooden platform and set up an idol or picture of Goddess Ganga along with a Kalash (sacred pot).
Offerings: Present flowers, rice, turmeric, milk, fruits, and sweets to the goddess.
Light Lamps: Light ten ghee lamps, representing the cleansing of ten sins, and float them in the river or water vessel.
Chant Mantras: Recite Ganga stotras and offer your prayers with devotion.
Perform Aarti: End the ritual with Ganga Aarti, expressing gratitude and seeking forgiveness for any mistakes made during worship.
Observe a fast or maintain purity throughout the day.
Offer 10 items such as lamps, fruits, or grains to the poor or to Brahmins.
Participate in community prayers and evening Aartis by the riverbanks.
Light diyas and let them float on the Ganges as a symbol of divine light and liberation.
Ganga Dussehra is more than a religious celebration—it’s a reminder of purification, self-reflection, and service. It unites people across faith and region, as millions gather to honor the life-giving river that nourishes India physically and spiritually.
May Mother Ganga cleanse our hearts, uplift our souls, and guide us toward the path of truth and compassion. 🌿
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