Ganga Dussehra 2025: Date, Timings, What To Do

Ganga Dussehra 2025, a deeply revered Hindu festival, celebrates the descent of the holy River Ganga from heaven to Earth. In 2025, this auspicious occasion will be observed on Thursday, June 5th. It's a day of immense spiritual significance, with devotees performing various rituals to cleanse themselves of sins, seek blessings, and honor the life-giving river.

Ganga Dussehra 2025

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Ganga Dussehra 2025 Date And Time 

Ganga Dussehra Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025

Dashami Tithi Begins: June 4, 2025, at 11:54 PM

Dashami Tithi Ends: June 6, 2025, at 2:15 AM

Brahma Muhurta (auspicious time for bathing and charity): June 5, 2025, until 4:07 AM

Siddhi Yoga (auspicious for rituals and charity): June 5, 2025, until 9:14 AM

Significance And Mythology Of Ganga Dussehra

Ganga Dussehra, also known as Gangavataran, marks the day when Goddess Ganga descended from the celestial realms to Earth. The word "Dussehra" is derived from "Dasha" (ten) and "Hara" (destroy), signifying the belief that bathing in the Ganges on this day can purify ten types of sins.

The mythological tale behind Ganga's descent is a captivating one, often attributed to the epic efforts of King Bhagiratha. According to Hindu scriptures:

• King Sagara, an ancient ruler, had 60,000 sons who were tragically turned to ashes by the wrath of Sage Kapila.

• Their souls could not find liberation until the sacred waters of Ganga purified their ashes.

• Many generations later, King Bhagiratha, a descendant of Sagara, undertook severe penance to appease Lord Brahma and bring Ganga down to Earth.

• Brahma agreed but warned that Ganga's immense force would be too powerful for Earth to bear. He advised Bhagiratha to seek Lord Shiva's help.

• Bhagiratha then performed rigorous penance to Lord Shiva, who, pleased by his devotion, agreed to control Ganga's mighty descent.

• When Ganga descended, Shiva caught her in his matted locks, softening her flow before gently releasing her onto Earth.

• Bhagiratha then led Ganga to the ashes of his ancestors, granting them moksha (liberation). This act also brought the divine purity of heaven to the mortal world.

Rituals And Celebrations Ganga Dussehra

Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm, especially in states where the Ganga flows, such as Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and West Bengal. Key rituals and celebrations include:

1) Holy Dip (Ganga Snan): The most significant ritual is taking a holy dip in the Ganges, particularly during the Brahma Muhurta. Devotees believe this act cleanses them of all sins and negative karmas, bringing spiritual purification and potential healing from physical ailments.

2) Ganga Puja and Aarti: Devotees perform elaborate Ganga Puja with offerings of flowers, mango leaves, betel nuts, diyas (oil lamps), and incense. The evening Ganga Aarti is a breathtaking spectacle, especially at prominent ghats like Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi and Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar. Thousands gather to witness priests performing synchronized lamp offerings, chanting hymns, and floating countless diyas on the river.

3) Charity (Daan): Performing acts of charity on Ganga Dussehra is considered highly meritorious. Common donations include food, water, clothes, umbrellas, earthen pots, wheat, rice, and jaggery to Brahmins and the needy. Many set up free stalls to distribute sharbat (sweet drinks) and water to combat the summer heat, symbolizing compassion.

4) Chanting Mantras: Devotees chant Ganga stotras and mantras to invoke divine blessings and mental peace. Some powerful mantras include: 

• "Om Namo Gangayai Vishwarupini Narayani Namo Namah"

• "Gange Cha Yamune Chaiva Godavari Saraswati | Narmade Sindhu Kaveri Jale Asmin Sannidhim Kuru ||"

• "Om Namo Bhagavati Hili Hili Mili Mili Gange Ma Pavay Pavay Swaha ||"

• "Om Namo Gangaayai Namah" (often chanted 11 or 21 times).

4) Fasting: Many devotees observe a partial or full fast on this day.

5) Cultural Programs: Towns and cities along the Ganga organize cultural events, including religious music, bhajan performances, and traditional dance rituals, to honor the sacred history of Ganga.

6) Home Rituals: For those unable to visit the Ganga, simple rituals can be performed at home. This includes cleaning the house, arranging a puja thali with an idol/image of Maa Ganga, Gangajal (or clean water), flowers, incense, diya, fruits, and sweets. Sprinkling Gangajal around the house is believed to purify the environment and invite divine energy.

Key Celebration Hubs Of Ganga Dussehra

While Ganga Dussehra is celebrated across various regions, the most grand and spiritual festivities occur in:

1) Haridwar (Uttarakhand): Har Ki Pauri witnesses massive crowds for the holy dip and the mesmerizing evening Aarti.

2) Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): The Dasaswamedh Ghat is famous for its elaborate Ganga Aarti and Deep Daan (floating of lamps). Devotees gather in huge numbers for the holy dip and puja.

3) Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh): The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers (Triveni Sangam) is another significant spot for rituals.

4) Rishikesh (Uttarakhand): Triveni Ghat is a popular location for Ganga Snan and Aarti.

5) Patna (Bihar): Grand Aartis are performed at various ghats, including Gandhi Ghat and Adalat Ghat.

6) Garhmukteshwar (Uttar Pradesh): This town on the banks of Ganga also sees significant celebrations.

Important Distinction - Ganga Dussehra vs. Ganga Jayanti:

It's important to note that Ganga Dussehra and Ganga Jayanti are distinct festivals:

Ganga Dussehra: Celebrates the day Ganga descended to Earth from heaven.

Ganga Jayanti: Celebrates the birth anniversary of Goddess Ganga.

Spiritual Benefits Of Ganga Dussehra

Observing Ganga Dussehra with devotion is believed to:

1) Cleanse the body and soul of all sins (especially the ten types of sins).

2) Improve health and vitality.

3) Bring peace to ancestors' souls (Pitra Shanti).

4) Attract divine grace and prosperity.

5) Foster a connection with nature and promote the sacredness of rivers.

In 2025, Ganga Dussehra will be a powerful reminder of purity, devotion, and the timeless grace of the River Ganga, inspiring millions to engage in spiritual practices and contribute to environmental consciousness.