Ganga Dussehra Festival in India: Significance, Celebrations and Major Attractions

India is a land of innumerable festivals that change with the change of seasons. They accompany sowing and harvesting and legends are born around them, most of which depict the triumph of good over evil. These fairs and festivals add colour and joy to Indian life. The Indian calendar is characterised by a plethora of occasions, large and small. Some of the festivals are primarily religious in nature, while others are more related to seasonal changes and harvests. They have a memorable past and many have undergone significant changes. While the enthusiasm for some festivals also seems to be fading, they do have the ability to bring about changes in people's lifestyles.

Some festivals and fasts are specific religious rituals designed to communicate with the Almighty. The popular buzz is reflected in the colourful bustle of fairs and festivals. Processions, prayers, new costumes, dances, music etc. are the necessities of any such celebration.

The Ganges is a sacred river, honoured by Hindus as a mother and goddess. Among the innumerable festivals celebrated in this country, the Ganga Dusshera festival is very important.

The Ganga Dusshera festival is celebrated between May and June. This is a ten-day festival where the Ganges is worshipped. In this article, we will delve into the significance of Ganga Dussehra and explore the various rituals associated with it. So join us to celebrate this auspicious occasion and learn about India's rich cultural heritage.

About Ganga Dussehra festival

What is the Ganga Dussehra festival in India?

The Ganga Dussehra is a pretty big Hindu festival which is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in India

Ganga Dussehra festival in India, also known as Gangavataran, is a major Hindu festival celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm and devotion in India. It commemorates the descending of the sacred river Ganga to Earth, which is said to have occurred on this fortunate day. Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu calendar month of Jyeshtha. The event lasts 10 days, including the previous nine days of festivity. 

Ganga Dussehra festival is deeply spiritual and culturally significant, and it maintains a unique place in the hearts of devotees who congregate along the Ganges banks to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings from the sacred river. From date to importance, here's all you need to know about this momentous day.

Ganga Dussehra festival date and time

Every year, crores of Hindus in India celebrate Ganga Dussehra, which is believed to be the day when Goddess Ganga descended from heaven to reside in the waters of the Ganges River to protect, purify, and return to heaven all who touch it. Ganga Dussehra, also known as Gangavataran, is observed yearly on the Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha. This year, the Ganga Dussehra festival will be commemorated on June 16, 2024.

Ganga Dussehra 2024: Timings (Tithi)

• Dashami Tithi Begins – 05:02 PM on Jun 15, 2024
• Dashami Tithi Ends – 07:13 PM on Jun 16, 2024
• Hasta Nakshatra Begins – 10:44 PM on Jun 14, 2024
• Hasta Nakshatra Ends – 01:43 AM on Jun 16, 2024
• Vyatipata Yoga Begins – 09:38 AM on Jun 14, 2024
• Vyatipata Yoga Ends – 10:41 AM on Jun 15, 2024

History of Ganga Dussehra festival in India:

Story behind the festival Dussehra related to Lord Rama

Hindu mythology claims that King Bhagirath prayed and fasted fervently to Brahma Maharaja to send the celestial river Ganges to Earth. His endeavour was motivated by the desire to liberate the souls of his ancestors from the curse imposed by the sage Kapila.

Bhagiratha's dedication was appreciated by Lord Brahma, who acceded to Lord Shiva's request to bring the great Ganges into his tangled hair and gently release her to the earth. Thus, the Ganges Ten Victories Festival commemorates the moment when the sacred Ganges descended from the heavens to cleanse mankind of its sins.

Significance Of Ganga Dussehra Festival

People celebrate this day because the descent of the Holy Ganges takes place from Heaven to Earth

Shree Ganga Dussehra the Bhavishya Purana claims that someone’s every need is met if they stand in the Ganges river on the day of Dussehra and recite the Ganga stotra ten times. The ancient traditions also mention that King Bhagirathi worshipped Lord Shiva to free his ancestors and brought Ganga Ji down from heaven. 

Shree Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on the day they delivered Ganga to our world. Hasta Nakshatra saw the entry of Ganga from heaven on Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami. Thus, on this day, rituals like bathing the Ganga, etc., donating grain and clothing, etc., chanting austerity, worshiping, and fasting are performed. Sins are removed by it.

The ten auspicious Vedic calculations associated with Ganga Dussehra demonstrate Ganga’s ability to atone for ten sins relating to words, deeds, and thoughts. Thursday, Hasta Nakshatra, Siddha Yoga, Jyeshtha month, Gar-Anand Yoga, Moon in Virgo, Shukla Paksha, Tenth day, and Sun in Taurus are among the ten Vedic calculations.

One can achieve salvation by offering prayers. It’s a good day to buy expensive products, brand-new cars, or new real estate. On this day, while standing in the Ganges, the Ganga Stotra can be recited to wash away all sins.

On this day, it is thought that a bath in the river may both purify the devotee and alleviate any physical ailments he might be experiencing. Bathing in the river during these ten days is thought to cleanse one of the ten sins, or alternately, the ten lifetimes of sins, as Dasha means ten and Hara means to destroy in Sanskrit.

By performing a personalized Rudrabhishekam Puja on the Shree Ganga Dussehra, one can acquire health, money, and prosperity. 

Ganga Dussehra 2024: Celebrations and rituals

The rituals of the Ganga Dusshera festival are similar in all parts of India

The rituals and usual celebration of Ganga Dusshera are similar in all parts of India. On Ganga Dussehra, devotees rise early to bathe in the sacred Ganga and recite the Ganga Stotra. In the evening, people perform Ganga Aarti and present flowers, Diya, betel leaves, fruits, and sweets to the sacred river. People also donate donations to the destitute and meditate by the river.

On the same day, people also worshipped the Yamuna and organised kite-flying in many parts of the country. Devotees of Mathura, Vindavan and Bhatshwar offered watermelons and cucumbers to the Yamuna and distributed drinks like lassi, shabat and shikanji to beat the heat.

To honour and express their gratitude for the national lifeline, devotees visited Prayagraj/Allahabad, Galmukteshwar, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi. Varanasi in particular is known for its lively celebrations of the Ganges Ten Victories Festival. Countless devotees attend the famous Ganga Aarti at the Dasaswamedh Ghat. One can capture this serene moment which signifies the importance of Ganga Aarti.

Where to celebrate Ganga Dussehra in India

Top Places in India for Dussehra Celebrations

If you wish to travel throughout India for Ganga Dussehra, here are the best places for Ganga Dussehra celebrations in India that you should check out.

Rishikesh

Nothing beats a soak in the pristine and pure Ganga waters of Rishikesh. And if it happens on an auspicious day, such as Ganga Dussehra, your religious merit is said to be quadrupled. Rishikesh is perhaps one of the least congested spots to visit on this day.

Haridwar

For religious travelers, a trip to Haridwar may be quite beneficial. There is no location like Haridwar to revere the Ganga. So, if you've already booked your hotel/guest house/dharamshala, you're fine to go.

Garhmukteshwar

Garhmukteshwar, Uttar Pradesh, is the only location near Delhi and NCR with a Ganga ghat. This location is very unknown in terms of tourism, therefore visitors from and around Delhi may reach Garhmukteshwar in as little as 2-3 hours. This city has Ganga temples as well as shrines for other deities. It is an ideal destination for a day excursion.

Prayagraj

The Ganga flows through the holy city of Prayagraj. Ganga Dussehra is the second most popular celebration in this historic city, following Kumbh Mela. Naturally, there is a passion among the citizens of this city and visitors that visit, because the festivities are contagious.

Kashi

Banaras or Kashi is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in India, so it is obvious for people to throng this city on Ganga Dussehra to worship the hallowed river. Ganga ghats remain crowded with eager bathers and worshipers on this day, so be an early bird if you can.

Patna

The capital city of Bihar is blessed with the presence of Ganga River. Like Chhath Puja, Ganga Dussehra is also celebrated with great enthusiasm and glory at Kangan Ghat. If you have not visited Patna yet, this is the day you should consider planning a trip to the city.

Ganga Dussehra festivities may also seen in other Indian places: Kashi, Patna, West Bengal and Bihar. Plan a trip to India to attend the Ganga Dussehra festival. You should apply for an India visa online through India Immigration Services. Don't forget to buy travel insurance to protect your safety when attending the festival. Enjoy this Ganga Dussehra and soak in the divinity of the spellbinding vibes.