Ganga Dussehra is celebrated to honor Goddess Ganga, the river goddess who descended from the heavens to Earth.
The festival occurs on Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami (10th day of the bright fortnight in Jyeshtha month).
It marks the descent of the holy Ganga from Lord Shiva’s locks to purify the Earth and grant liberation (moksha). Devotees take holy baths in rivers and perform rituals to seek forgiveness for sins and spiritual blessings.
🪔 Panchang for Ganga Dussehra 2026
(Indicative IST timings – India Standard Time)
| Panchang Element | Timings / Details |
|---|---|
| Tithi | Dashami Tithi Begins: June 7, 2026 – 08:25 PM Dashami Tithi Ends: June 8, 2026 – 10:50 PM |
| Nakshatra | Shravana Nakshatra |
| Yoga | Shubha Yoga |
| Karana | Bava → Balava |
| Sunrise | 05:24 AM |
| Sunset | 07:17 PM |
🌊 Significance of Ganga Dussehra
- Celebrates the descent of Ganga to Earth to purify humanity.
- Observing this festival is believed to wash away sins accumulated over 12 years.
- Devotees seek the blessings of Maa Ganga for:
- Health & longevity
- Peace & prosperity
- Spiritual purification
- Success in endeavors
Legend:
The demon Bhasmasura terrorized the worlds, and the gods requested Lord Shiva to bring Ganga from heaven to Earth. On her descent, Ganga purified the world, granting moksha to devotees who honored her with devotion.
🕉️ Rituals & Puja Vidhi
1. Holy Bath (Snan)
- Devotees wake early and take a holy dip in the Ganges or other sacred rivers.
- Bathing at sunrise is considered highly auspicious.
2. Fasting & Vrat
- Many devotees observe a day-long fast or consume fruits & milk only.
- Women, especially, fast to bless their families with health & prosperity.
3. Ganga Puja
- Decorate the altar with flowers, kalash, and lamp.
- Recite Ganga Stotra, Vishnu Sahasranama, or Bhajans dedicated to Maa Ganga.
- Offer Tulsi leaves, sweets, fruits, and water to the river as Prasad & Arghya.
4. Charity & Environmental Rituals
- Donating water, food, clothes, or planting trees is considered meritorious.
- Many temples organize community clean-up and river conservation events.
🌎 Regional Celebrations
| Region | Traditions |
|---|---|
| Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) | Devotees perform Ganga Snan at Dashashwamedh Ghat; evening aarti with lamps |
| Haridwar & Rishikesh | Special morning rituals, pujas, and floating diyas in river |
| Bihar & Jharkhand | Community puja on river banks with bhajans |
| Madhya Pradesh | Charity events and river worship |
| Nepal | Devotees bathe in the Bagmati or other sacred rivers |
💠 Benefits of Observing Ganga Dussehra
- Spiritual purification and removal of past sins
- Blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity
- Protection from misfortune and negativity
- Enhanced devotion and inner peace
- Karma reduction and attainment of moksha
Panchang Official