Ganga Dussehra is a deeply revered Hindu festival that celebrates the descent of the holy river Ganga from the heavens to the earth.
Marking a significant moment in Hindu mythology, this festival is a time for spiritual renewal, holy dips, and prayers that wash away sins and usher in divine blessings.
Celebrated with grandeur across the northern states of India, Ganga Dussehra is more than just a festival – it’s a cultural phenomenon rooted in ancient belief and enduring faith.
In this article, we’ll explore when is Ganga Dussehra in 2025, why it is celebrated, the rituals associated with it, and the best places to be a part of this divine experience.
Ganga Dussehra 2025 Date in India
Ganga Dussehra in 2025 falls on Thursday, June 5, 2025. It is celebrated on the Dashami Tithi (tenth day) of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha.
- Dashami Tithi Begins: June 4, 2025, at 11:54 PM
- Dashami Tithi Ends: June 6, 2025, at 2:15 AM
This day is considered highly auspicious, especially during the early morning hours when devotees gather by the riverbanks to perform sacred rituals and take a holy dip in the Ganga.
What is Ganga Dussehra & Why Do We Celebrate It?
What is Ganga Dussehra?
Ganga Dussehra, also known as Gangavataran, marks the day when the Ganga river descended from heaven to earth.
According to Hindu mythology, the river was brought down by King Bhagiratha after years of penance to cleanse the sins of his ancestors.
However, due to her powerful descent, the earth would have been destroyed had it not been for Lord Shiva, who caught her in his matted locks and released her gently.
Why Do We Celebrate Ganga Dussehra?
The festival is celebrated to honor the divine descent of the Ganga and the blessings it brings.
“Dussehra” comes from “Dasha” meaning ten and “Hara” meaning destroy—thus, bathing in the Ganges on this day is believed to wash away ten kinds of sins, both physical and spiritual.
It’s also a time to pay homage to ancestors, seek purification, and embrace peace and salvation.
So, Ganga Dussehra kyu manaya jata hai?
To seek forgiveness, purification, and express gratitude to Goddess Ganga for her divine presence and grace.
Rituals & What To Do on Ganga Dussehra
Here’s a guide on what to do on Ganga Dussehra:
Holy Dip in the Ganga
Taking a bath in the Ganges is the most essential ritual. Devotees believe that this act alone on this day can free them from lifetimes of sins.
If you’re unable to visit the Ganga, some even bathe at home while chanting Ganga mantras.
Puja Vidhi
Special Ganga Puja is performed on the riverbanks:
- Offer flowers, diyas, milk, and incense to the river.
- Chant mantras like “ॐ नमः शिवाय” and “ॐ गंगे नमः”.
- Light floating diyas and set them adrift on the water – a symbol of hope, cleansing, and devotion.
Pind Daan & Pitr Tarpan
Paying homage to ancestors is a crucial aspect. People perform Pind Daan and Tarpan rituals on this day to help liberate the souls of their ancestors and remove Pitru Dosha.
Charity & Daan
As a day of compassion and virtue, devotees often donate essentials like clothes, food, money, or water to the needy. Donations are considered 10 times more fruitful on this day.
Fasting & Meditation
Many devotees observe fasts, meditate, and listen to stories of Ganga’s descent. Reading the Ganga Sahasranama or Bhagavata Purana is also considered auspicious.
Where To Celebrate Ganga Dussehra 2025
The festival is most vibrantly celebrated on the banks of the Ganga River. Here are some of the top destinations where the festival comes alive:
Haridwar (Uttarakhand)
At Har Ki Pauri, Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with massive Ganga Aartis, chants, and thousands of lamps floating on the river. The spiritual energy is palpable.
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
The Dashashwamedh Ghat hosts a stunning spectacle. The entire ghats glow with diyas and are filled with priests performing synchronized aartis and blowing conch shells.
Prayagraj (Allahabad)
A spiritual hub where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. Devotees flock to the Sangam for a holy bath and perform rituals.
Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)
Known for its serene ghats and temples, Rishikesh offers a more peaceful yet equally spiritual setting for celebrating Ganga Dussehra.
Garhmukteshwar & Patna
Other significant towns like Garhmukteshwar in UP and Gandhi Ghat in Patna also witness vibrant rituals and crowds of devotees on this day.
The Deeper Significance
What is the significance of Ganga Dussehra?
Ganga is not just a river – it’s a mother, purifier, and giver of life. Her waters are considered Amrit (nectar). On Ganga Dussehra, the spiritual benefits of prayers, bathing, and charity are believed to be magnified tenfold.
It’s a time to:
- Reflect on self-purification
- Honor your ancestral lineage
- Reconnect with nature and divinity
- Embrace inner peace and devotion
Summing Up
Ganga Dussehra 2025, falling on June 5, offers a chance to reconnect with your roots – spiritually, culturally, and emotionally.
Whether you travel to Haridwar or Varanasi, or simply perform rituals at home, the festival calls on each of us to seek inner purification and divine connection.
So this year, as you search for ganga dussehra images, share heartfelt wishes, or look up ganga dussehra kab hai, remember the essence behind the celebration – a sacred flow of purity, faith, and liberation.
