New Delhi : For Hindus, Ganga (Ganges) river is the most sacred. The festival of Ganga Dussehra is important in Hinduism, and is celebrated with devotion and reverence. The festival of Ganga Dussehra marks the descent of Maa Ganga, as she is called to Earth and is considered an opportunity for spiritual purification and freedom from sins.
Celebrated every year on the Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha, the festival places special importance on taking a holy dip in the Ganga and offering charity. According to religious beliefs, snan (ritual) in sacred rivers and performing daan (charitable acts) on this day helps cleanse a person of various sins and brings spiritual merit and blessings into life.
The Legend of Ganga Dussehra
According to the website of ISKCON Dwarka, “The legend has it that the king named Sagara had 60,000 sons searching for a lost horse for the Ashwamedha Yagya tied near the Ashram of Sage Kapil by God Indra. The 60,000 sons said to possess created tons of commotion that disturbed the meditating Sage Kapila and anger when the sage opened his eyes. So he burned them to ashes.”
Adding, “He told them the touch of the water Ganga would only give them the Moksha. As per the legend, one among the descendants of King Sagara named Bhagiratha performed austerity to gratify Brahma and send Ganga on earth.”
It’s believed that Goddess Ganga then descended to earth in seven streams. And, also washed down the ashes of all the ancestors of Bhagiratha. Hence, this Ganga Dussehra is celebrated as the day when the Ganga river came to the earth from heaven.
Ganga Dussehra Date
- Dashami Tithi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha begins: 25 May, 4:30 am
- Dashami Tithi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha ends: 26 May, 5:10 am
- According to the Udaya Tithi, Ganga Dussehra will be observed on 25 May 2026.
- Auspicious Timings for Bathing and Charity on Ganga Dussehra
- Brahma Muhurat: 25 May, from 4:30 am to 5:30 am
- Amrit Choghadiya: from 5:25 am to 7:08 am
- Shubh Choghadiya: from 8:51 am to 10:34 am
Significance of Ganga Dussehra
Bathing on the day of Ganga Dussehra is considered sacred and spiritually rewarding. One of the important aspects of Ganga Dussehra is associated with the ritual of Dashavidha Snan. According to religious beliefs, taking a dip in the Ganga on this day washes away all kinds of sins. These are believed to include three sins committed through the body, four through speech, and three through the mind. In this way, the ritual bath on Ganga Dussehra is seen as an important means of self-purification and spiritual growth.
Daan on Ganga Dussehra
Any celebration of Ganga Dussehra is incomplete without charity or daan. Religious traditions consider it highly auspicious to donate water, food grains, fruits, clothes, and worship materials on this sacred occasion. There is also a tradition of donating items such as ghee, salt, oil, sugar, and gold. It is believed that charity offered with devotion and according to one’s capacity on this day increases spiritual merit and brings happiness and prosperity into life.
