BhaktiLoopGanga Dussehra
Commemorates the descent of Goddess Ganga to Earth from heaven, purifying the land and its people. It is believed that taking a holy dip in the Ganges on this day can purify one of 10 types of sins (Dasahara) and bestow blessings.
Key Rituals & Practices
Snan (Holy Dip) in the Ganges River or other sacred water bodies.
Ganga Aarti (lamp offering) performed on river banks, especially in cities like Haridwar and Varanasi.
Donations (Daan) of food, clothes, and other items to the poor and Brahmins.
Chanting of mantras and prayers dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
Fasting (Vrat) observed by some devotees throughout the day.
Offering of flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, and sesame seeds to the river.
Ritualistic offering of 10 specific items (like flowers, lamps, Guggul, barley, etc.) to the Ganga.
Consumption of 10 types of specific foods after the fast.
Associated Deities
Hindu Calendar Details
Hindu Month
Jyeshtha
Paksha
Shukla Paksha
Tithi
Dashami (Tenth day)
Regional Relevance & Variations
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Historical & Mythological Context
According to Hindu mythology, Ganga Dussehra marks the day Goddess Ganga descended from Swargalok (heaven) to Earth. This was due to the relentless penance of King Bhagiratha, who sought to purify the ashes of his ancestors, the 60,000 sons of King Sagara, who had been burnt to ashes by the sage Kapila's curse. Lord Shiva received Ganga in his matted locks to break her forceful fall and prevent devastation on Earth, after which she flowed down to purify the land and all beings. The term 'Dasahara' (Dasa-hara) means the removal of ten kinds of sins (3 of body, 4 of speech, and 3 of mind), which is believed to occur by taking a holy dip in the Ganga on this auspicious day.
Alternative Names
Gregorian Date
Varies each year, typically in May or June