India is a land where rivers are worshipped like deities, and among them, Maa Ganga holds a divine place in the hearts of millions. One of the most sacred festivals dedicated to her is Ganga Dussehra. Every year, lakhs of devotees gather on the banks of the Ganga River to celebrate her descent from heaven to Earth, a moment that symbolizes purification, devotion, and moksha (liberation).
But what is Ganga Dussehra exactly? Why is it celebrated, and what rituals make it so significant? Let’s explore everything you need to know about Ganga Dussehra.
Check Auspicious Timings With Today’s Panchang
What Is Ganga Dussehra? (Ganga Dussehra Kya Hota Hai?)
Ganga Dussehra, also known as Gangavataran, is a sacred Hindu festival that celebrates the avatarana (descent) of the holy river Ganga from heaven to Earth. This divine event is believed to have taken place on the Dashami (10th day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha.
The word Ganga Dussehra is deeply symbolic. “Dasha” means ten, and “Hara” means to destroy. It is said that when Maa Ganga descended to Earth, she washed away ten types of sins, categorized into three physical, four verbal, and three mental sins. That’s why this day is known as “Dussehra” – the day that removes ten kinds of transgressions.
Taking a holy dip in the Ganga on this day is believed to purify the body, mind, and soul. It is also said that the punya (spiritual merit) gained by bathing in the Ganges on Ganga Dussehra is equivalent to what one would earn by visiting various pilgrimages over many years.
On this day, devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek Maa Ganga’s blessings for health, peace, and liberation from karmic bondage. Far beyond being just a river, Ganga Mata is worshipped as a living goddess who grants moksha (salvation). That’s why ganga snan (bath), daan (donation), tarpana (offerings to ancestors), and vrat (fast) hold immense importance on this occasion.
So, if you’ve ever wondered Ganga Dussehra kya hota hai, it is the spiritually charged day that celebrates Maa Ganga’s arrival on Earth, a moment of divine grace and the destruction of sins.
Also Read: Navgrah Shanti Mantras: How To Chant & When To Perform Rahu-Ketu Puja
Why Is Ganga Dussehra Celebrated? (गंगा दशहरा क्यों मनाया जाता है?)
The story behind Ganga Dussehra is a profound tale of unwavering devotion, immense tapasya (meditation).
It begins with King Sagara, a ruler of the Ikshvaku dynasty, who performed an Ashwamedha Yagya to assert his supremacy. However, Lord Indra, fearing Sagara’s growing power, stole the ceremonial horse and hid it in the ashram of Sage Kapil Muni, who was in deep meditation.
King Sagara’s sixty thousand sons went searching for the horse and found it at Kapil Muni’s ashram. Mistaking the sage for a thief, they disturbed his meditation. Enraged by their insolence and interruption, the sage opened his eyes, and his spiritual energy reduced them to ashes. Their souls were trapped, unable to attain peace.
Generations passed. Eventually, King Bhagiratha, a descendant of Sagara, vowed to free their souls. He undertook intense tapasya to bring Maa Ganga to Earth to purify their ashes. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Brahma agreed but warned that the sheer force of Ganga’s descent would destroy Earth unless Lord Shiva intervened.
Bhagiratha then began another arduous tapasya, this time to Lord Shiva. Moved by his devotion, Lord Shiva agreed to help and caught the ferocious flow of Ganga in his matted locks, gently releasing her as a calm and sacred stream onto Earth. From his hair, Ganga emerged in seven streams, and one of them followed Bhagiratha all the way to the spot where his ancestors’ ashes lay. The touch of her divine waters freed their souls, ending their long spiritual suffering.This divine event is the reason Ganga Dussehra is celebrated, to commemorate the holy descent of Maa Ganga to Earth, bringing purification, liberation, and blessings to humanity.
Related Read: How Gaj Kesari Yoga Impacts Your Life in 2025?
When Is Ganga Dussehra in 2025? (Ganga Dussehra Kab Hai?)
In 2025, Ganga Dussehra will be celebrated on:
Date: Thursday, 5th June 2025
Tithi: Dashami of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha
Tithi Begins: 4th June 2025 at 11:56 PM.
Tithi Ends: 6th June 2025 at 2:18 AM.
According to the Hindu Panchang, even though the Dashami tithi begins late at night on 4th June and ends in the early hours of 6th June, Hindu tradition follows sunrise-based tithi calculation. So, if you’re searching for ganga dussehra kab ka hai, mark your calendar — the festival will be celebrated on 5th June 2025.
Read This: Kaal Sarp Dosh Kya Hota Hai: Remedies & How To Check It?
Ganga Dussehra Pooja Vidhi
Performing the right rituals on Ganga Dussehra brings peace and spiritual cleansing. Here’s the simple pooja vidhi and vrat process:
Early Morning Bath (Snan)
Wake up early and take a bath. If possible, bathe in the holy River Ganga. If not, mix Ganga jal in your bath water. As you bathe, pray to Maa Ganga for the removal of past sins and inner purification.
Ganga Mata Puja at Home
Place an idol or picture of Maa Ganga on a clean altar. Offer:
- White flowers
- Incense sticks (dhoop)
- A diya (lamp)
- Fruits and sweets
You can also keep a kalash filled with Ganga jal nearby during the puja.
Experience Divine Blessings From Home: Book Online Puja
Mantra Chanting
Chant the following mantras 108 times with devotion:
“ॐ नमः शिवाय” (Om Namah Shivaya)
or
“ॐ नमो गंगायै विश्वरूपिण्यै नारायण्यै नमो नमः” (Om Namo Gangayai Vishwarupinyai Narayanyai Namo Namah)
You may also recite the Ganga Stotra.
Tarpan
Offer water as tarpan to your ancestors with prayers for their peace. This is a beautiful way to honor their memory on such a sacred day.
Daan (Charity)
Donate 10 different items (symbolizing freedom from 10 sins), such as:
- Wheat
- Rice
- Jaggery
- Clothes
- Sharbat
- Umbrella
- Fan
- Fruits
- Water
- Money
Give these to Brahmins, the needy, or at a local temple.
Vrata (Fasting)
Many devotees observe a partial fast, eating only fruits or light food during the day and breaking it after the evening aarti.
Evening Aarti
If you’re near a ghat (especially in Haridwar or Varanasi), don’t miss the grand Ganga Aarti. Thousands of lamps illuminate the river, accompanied by devotional chants and music, creating an ethereal and unforgettable experience.
At home, light a diya in front of Maa Ganga and sing simple aarti songs to conclude your worship.Performing this Ganga Dussehra pooja vidhi with a clean heart and sincere devotion is believed to fulfill wishes, cleanse karma, and bring spiritual upliftment.
Call To Purity and Devotion
Ganga Dussehra is more than a festival—it is a spiritual reminder of our deep connection with Maa Ganga and the sacred wisdom of Sanatan Dharma. It’s a time to purify the mind, seek divine grace, and pray for peace, health, and happiness.
As you observe this auspicious day on Thursday, June 5th, 2025, whether through rituals, a holy dip, or heartfelt prayers, may the sacred flow of Ganga Maa cleanse your soul and fill your life with devotion and positivity.
Jai Ganga Maiya!
And if you want to book an online pooja for spiritual blessings or need astrological guidance for your life’s questions, Astrolive is here to help. Our experienced astrologers are available via call or chat to offer personalized insights and remedies anytime you need.
