Ganga Dussehra is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated to honor the descent of the River Ganges (Ganga) from the heavens to Earth. It falls on the Dashami (10th day) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Jyeshtha (May–June).
🕉️ Spiritual Significance
- The festival marks the descent of Goddess Ganga, considered the purifier of sins and the bestower of spiritual liberation (moksha).
- Bathing in the holy river on this day is believed to cleanse one’s sins and bring blessings.
- Devotees seek the divine grace of Ganga for purity, prosperity, and salvation.
🙏 Ganga Dussehra Puja Rituals
- Early Morning Holy Bath:
- Devotees take a dip in the holy river or water body early in the morning to purify the body and soul.
- Altar Setup:
- Set up an altar with an image or idol of Goddess Ganga, often depicted riding a crocodile (Makara).
- Decorate the altar with flowers, especially white and blue, which represent purity and water.
- Offerings:
- Offer fruits, sweets, water from the Ganges (if available), rice, and flowers.
- Lighting of oil lamps (diyas) and incense sticks.
- Chanting Mantras and Hymns:
- Recite mantras like:
- “Om Gangayai Namah”
- Verses from the Ganga Stotra or Ganga Ashtakshara Mantra.
- Singing devotional songs praising the river.
- Recite mantras like:
- Aarti Ceremony:
- Perform aarti by waving the lamp in front of the idol or image of Goddess Ganga.
- Offer prayers for the welfare of all beings and the environment.
- Charitable Acts:
- Many devotees engage in feeding the poor, cleaning riverbanks, or planting trees to honor the sacred river.
🌼 Message of Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra celebrates the life-giving and purifying power of the holy river Ganges. It inspires reverence for nature, spiritual cleansing, and the importance of protecting our natural water resources.
