Ganga Dussehra

Ganga Dussehra: The Day to Go for Salvation Just After a Holy Dip in the Ganga

Ganga Dussehra is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the river Ganges or Ganga. The festival is scheduled on the 10th day of the waxing phase of the moon in Hindu calendar of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, falling generally in May or June.

On this festival, people take a Holy dip in the river Ganges and perform Puja (worship) to Ganges seeking blessings and salvation from their sins. The festival is celebrated in India across various places along the banks of the river Ganges, especially in Varanasi, Haridwar Allahabad, Rishikesh, and in Prayagraj.

According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this particular day river Ganges descended from the heaven to earth. Therefore, Indian people consider it auspicious to take a bath in the river and offer prayers to  Ganga. It is a significant festival among the Hindus, and people believe that taking a dip in the holy river Ganges on this particular day can remove their sins and bring long cherished salvation. 

Its Significance

The festival holds great significance in Hindu mythology and culture. There are some significances of this festival. 

According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the river Ganges has the power to purify and cleanse from the soul all types of sins. Hence, taking a dip in the river on this particular day is considered highly auspicious and can help people get total relief from their sins.

River Ganges descended from the heavens to the earth on this day. Therefore, people celebrate the arrival of the mighty and holy river and offer prayers to goddess Ganga.

The festival is a celebration of the natural environment and its resources. The Ganges is considered a lifeline for millions of people in India, and observing the festival is an occasion to express gratitude towards the river and seek her blessings.

It is a festival of spiritual significance, and people believe that worshipping of the Ganga helps them attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The festival is an important part of Hindu culture and tradition. It is celebrated across different parts of India, and people of all ages participate in the festivities.

It is a festival that focuses on the cultural, spiritual, and environmental values of the Hindu community. It is a time for introspection, gratitude, and renewal.

Has it Astrological Value?

Yes, has marked astrological significance as well. According to Hindu astrology, the day is considered highly auspicious and is believed to bring good luck, total prosperity, and blessings from the celestial bodies.

The position of the planets on this day is highly favorable, and performing different rituals and offering prayers can help people overcome various obstacles and achieve success in their specific endeavors. The day is also considered a beneficial one for performing various spiritual practices.

It is believed too that the power of the Ganges is amplified on this vey day, and taking a dip in the holy river during this time can help to attain spiritual purification and liberation from the very cycle of birth and death.

In conclusion, Ganga Dussehra festival has not only a cultural and spiritual significance but has an astrological value in the Hindu tradition. The day is highly auspicious and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India.

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Ganga is considered to be one of the holiest river in Hinduism and is said to be the river that can wash away all sins. Ganga Dussehra is celebrated for ten days to commemorate the day on which Ganga came down to earth from heaven. It is celebrated in the Jyeshtha month of the Hindu calendar (May/June).

Legend

The legend regarding the descending of Ganga from heaven to earth is that it came down to wash the sins of the world. It started by flowing through the hair locks of Lord Shiva so that it does not wash the whole earth away, it then flowed peacefully till it reached the sanctuary of the Brahmin Rishi, Jahnu. The flow of Ganga from his abode angered Jahnu so much that he drank the whole river in his rage; he only released it after many gods pleaded with him.

Celebration

Ganga Dussehra is celebrated at almost all the places from where the Ganga flows, thousands of pilgrims from India gather here and take a bath in Ganga in order to wash away all of their sins. It is said that up to 10 sins can be washed away by praying to Ganga and taking a bath in the river.