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Ganga Dussehra falls during Dashami Tithi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha and currently falls in month of May or June.
Ganga Dussehra is also known as Gangavataran which means the descent of the Ganga.
Usually Ganga Dusshra is celebrated one day before Nirjala Ekadashi but in some years Ganga Dussehra and Nirjala Ekadashi might fall on the same day.
Ganga Dussehra is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and this day is commemorated as the day when Ganga was descended to the Earth to accomplish her mission to purge the cursed souls of Bhagiratha’s ancestors.
Before coming to the Earth, the Goddess Ganga was residing in Kamandal of Lord Brahma and along with her the Goddess Ganga brought the purity of heaven to the Earth.
On Ganga Dussehra devotees worship Goddess Ganga and take bath in Ganges.
Taking bath in Ganges and offering charity or Dan-Punya (दान-पुण्य) on Ganga Dussehra day is considered highly auspicious.
It is believed that holy dip in Ganges on Ganga Dussehra day can purge all type of sins.
Devotees flock to Prayagraj/Allahabad, Garhmukteshwar, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi to take a holy dip. Ganga Dussehra celebrations are legendary in Varanasi.
On Ganga Dussehra day thousands of devotees do Ganga Snan and participate in Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat.
Ganga Dussehra should not be confused with Ganga Jayanti when the Goddess Ganga was reborn.
Ganga Dussehra Festival
Ganga Dussehra falls on the (Dashami Tithi) of Waxing Moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Jyeshtha month as per Hindu calendar.
So, it usually falls in the month of May, Ganga Dussehra will fall on the June.
Ganga Dussehra is also called Gangavataran, which means the ‘descent of Ganga’.
In most of the years, Ganga Dussehra is celebrated one day before Nirjala Ekadashi.
But sometimes Ganga Dussehra and Nirjala Ekadashi fall on the same day.
Legend Behind The Celebration
The festival Ganga Dussehra is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga and it is believed that Ganga descended to Earth on this day.
She descended to accomplish her mission to free the cursed souls of Bhagirath’s ancestors.
As per the tradition, before coming to Earth, Goddess Ganga was living in the kamandal of Lord Brahma.
When Ganga descended to Earth, she also brought the purity of heaven to Earth.
River Ganga is a gift to humanity due to the great penance of Bhagirath, after which she is also known as Bhagirathi.
Bhagirath was the descendant of the Sagara dynasty.
He prayed for the Ganga river to descend on the earth and bring life.
However, it turned out to be a destructive force.
Therefore, Lord Brahma asked Lord Shiva to hold in the locks.
As a result, Ganges lost force and became a placid life-living river.
The Ganges is not only the sacred river but also the heart of India.
Devotees worship this river for a better fortune.
On the day of Ganga Dussehra, thousands of lamps are lit in the flowing river for bringing peace and goodness.
Haridwar, Prayag, and Varanasi are the most popular celebration spots of Ganga Dussehra in India.
It arises from Gangotri in the snow-clad Himalayas, flows in the hot plains of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and meets in the Bay of Bengal.
Rivers Ganges meets with Saraswati and Yamuna river in the Allahabad.
The confluence of these rivers in Prayag is the holiest spot in India.
Regions Where Ganga Avaratan Is Celebrated
The festival of Ganga Dussehra is observed by Hindus mostly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and West Bengal, where the river Ganga flows.
Haridwar, Varanasi, Garhmukteshwar, Rishikesh, Allahabad now Prayagraj, and Patna are the major locations of the celebrations.
Here the devotees gather at the banks of the Ganges and perform aartis (a religious ritual in which a light lamp is moved clockwise circularly in front of a deity as a part of prayer) to the river.
Invoke the blessings of Goddess Ganga and get rid of all the sins by following special personalized rituals based on your birth chart.
The Significance Of Ganga Avataran Festival
Dussehra signifies ten auspicious Vedic calculations which show Ganga’s power to wash ten sins related to th thoughts, actions, and speech.
The ten Vedic calculations include Jyeshtha month, Shukla Paksha, Tenth day, Thursday, Hasta Nakshatra, Siddha Yoga, Gar-Anand Yoga and Moon in Virgo and Sun in Taurus.
The offering of prayer allows one to attain salvation.
It is a favourable day for purchasing valuable items, new vehicles, or new property.
Reciting Ganga Stotra on this day while standing in the Ganges can remove all the sins.
It is believed that taking a dip in the river on this day can bring the devotee to a state of purification and also heal any physical ailments he may have.
In Sanskrit, Dasha means ten and Hara means destroy; thus bathing in the river during these ten days is believed to rid the person of the ten sins or, alternatively, the ten lifetimes of sins.
Rituals
Most of the devotees visit Prayag, Hrishikesh, Varanasi, and Haridwar for meditation and holy bath.
People perform pitru puja for their ancestors.
Devotees and priests perform the aarti at the bank of the Ganges during twilight with leaf boats laden with flames and flowers.
While worshipping the Ganges, one must have ten of each article such as ten types of flowers, fruits, or betel leaves.
While taking a bath, one must take ten dips.
Worship Of Yamuna
On the Ganga Dussehra, the river Yamuna is also worshipped and kite-flying events are organized.
Devotees take a holy dip in the Yamuna at places like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Bateshwar, and give offerings of watermelon and cucumber.
They distribute drinks such as lassi, sharbat and shikanji.
Ganga Dussehra Festival
Commemorating the descent of River Ganga on Earth, this religious festival is when the devotees have an opportunity to take a dip in the water of this holy river in Haridwar and Rishikesh.
About Ganga Dussehra Festival
Celebrated in the state of Uttarakhand, Ganga Dusshera or Dasar Festival is organized in the month of May-June.
The festival is held for ten days where Ganga River is worshipped.
As per Hindu mythology, on this day, the holy River Ganga descended from heaven to earth.
This festival in Uttarakhand starts on the Amavasya night (waxing moon) of Hindu calendar and ends on Dashami tithi (10th Day).
An Aarti takes place on Ganga Dusshera which is held on the bank of the river in the popular pilgrimage destinations of Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Ganga Dussehra is all about cleansing the soul by taking bath in the sacred River of Ganga.
After taking bath people also meditate on the banks of River Ganges.
In the evening earthen lamps are floated in the river along with the singing of devotional songs by the devotees.
The legend has it that there was the king named Sagara who had 60,000 sons who were looking out for a lost horse for the Ashwamedha Yagya that was tied near the Ashram of Sage Kapil by God Indra.
The 60,000 sons said to have created a lot of commotion which disturbed the meditating Sage Kapila and in anger when the sage opened his eyes, he burned them to ashes.
He told them the touch of the holy water Ganga would only give them the Moksha.
As per the legend, one of the descendants of King Sagara, named Bhagiratha performed austerity to gratify Brahma and asked him to send Ganga on earth.
Goddess Ganga then came down to earth in seven streams and washed down all the ashes of Bhagiratha ancestors, and thus, Ganga Dusshera is celebrated as the day when the river descended from heaven to earth.
Highlights:
- Ganga Dussehra is held for ten days in the month of May/June.
- During the festival, devotees take a dip in the holy water of the river to cleanse their soul and all their sins.
- In the evening, Aarti takes place, earthen lamps are put to float on the river and reverential melodies are sung by the devotees.
- On the same day, the River Yamuna is also worshiped. Similarly to Ganga, devotees also take a dip in the holy river Yamuna at places where the stream is flowing.
Ganga Dussehra
History
Hindu mythology states that King Bhagiratha prayed to Lord Brahma and fasted fervently in order to send the heavenly river Ganga to Earth.
His efforts were motivated by a desire to free his forefathers’ souls from the curse placed on them by Sage Kapila.
Bhagiratha’s dedication was appreciated by Lord Brahma, who granted his plea for Lord Shiva to take the great Ganga in his matted hair and release her gently upon Earth.
Thus, Ganga Dussehra commemorates the occasion when the sacred river Ganga flowed from the skies to wash away mankind’s sins.
Ganga Dussehra Rituals
Devotees wake up early on Ganga Dussehra, take a dip in the sacred Ganga, and recite the Ganga Stotra.
In the evening, they perform Ganga Aarti and offer flowers, Diya, betel leaves, fruits, and sweets to the holy river.
They also give charity to the needy. Additionally, devotees meditate beside the river.
Ganga Dussehra Festival of Ganga Dussehra
Celebrated in the territory of Uttarakhand, Ganga Dusshera or Dasar Festival is sorted out in the period of May-June.
The celebration is held for ten days where Ganga River is venerated.
According to Hindu folklore, on this day, the blessed River Ganga plummeted from paradise to earth.
This celebration in Uttarakhand begins on the Amavasya night (waxing moon) of Hindu schedule and closures on Dashami tithi (tenth Day).
An Aarti happens on Ganga Dusshera which is hung on the bank of the waterway in the mainstream journey goals of Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Ganga Dussehra is tied in with purifying the spirit by cleaning up in the holy River of Ganga.
Subsequent to washing up individuals additionally reflect on the banks of River Ganges.
At night earthen lights are skimmed in the waterway alongside the singing of reverential tunes by the aficionados.
The legend has it that there was the ruler named Sagara who had 60,000 children who were paying special mind to a lost steed for the Ashwamedha Yagya that was tied close to the Ashram of Sage Kapil by God Indra.
The 60,000 children said to have made a considerable measure of tumult which bothered the contemplating Sage Kapila and in indignation when the sage opened his eyes, he consumed them to fiery remains.
He disclosed to them the dash of the blessed water Ganga would just give them the Moksha.
According to the legend, one of the relatives of King Sagara, named Bhagiratha performed grimness to satisfy Brahma and requesting that he send Ganga on earth.
Goddess Ganga at that point came rational in seven streams and washed down every one of the cinders of Bhagiratha predecessors, and subsequently, Ganga Dusshera is praised as the day when the waterway plummeted from paradise to earth.
On the event of Ganga Dussehra or Dasar, the Ganga stream is loved for ten days.
This is on account of as per mainstream legend, Ganga slid on earth as of now.
She was at first hesitant to descend from paradise however the contemplation of Bhagiratha constrained her to do as such.
This is basically a showering celebration.
Amid this period, individuals take a plunge in the blessed stream to purify themselves of every one of their transgressions.
It is trusted that the unadulterated waters of the Ganges can wash off the entirety of your wrongdoings.
Individuals ruminate over the banks of the River Ganges.
At night, lights are glided and reverential melodies are sung.
The earth is brought home as is the sacred water.
The water has capacity to bless your home.
Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Saptami is a Hindu festival that is celebrated to mark the day when the Holy river Ganga descended on the Earth.
Ganga Dussehra falls on the tenth day of the bright fortnight, that is, during the Dashami Tithi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon Period) and this year it falls in the month of May.
Ganga Dussehra is also known as Gangavataran which means the descent of the Ganga.
The festival is primarily celebrated in Northern India, especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Bihar, where the river Ganga flows.
Devotees take a dip in the holy river, perform puja (worship) and offer prayers to Mata Ganga for purity and blessings.
It is believed that taking a dip in the river Ganges on this day can wash away all sins and bring salvation to the devotees.
The festival is also significant for those who believe in astrology, as it is believed that the planets’ positions on this day positively influence human life.
Significance of Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra one of the important festivals for Hindus holds great significance for the people who live along the banks of the river Ganga.
So, let’s find some of the reasons why this festival is considered important.
The Descent of River Ganga
According to Hindu mythology, Ganga descended from the heavens to the earth on the day of Ganga Dussehra.
It is believed that taking a dip in the holy river on this day can purify the soul and wash away all sins.
Astrological Significance
Ganga Dussehra is also believed to be an auspicious day for those who follow astrology.
It is said that the alignment of planets on this day can have a positive influence on human life.
Agricultural Significance
The festival is also significant for farmers, as it marks the beginning of the sowing season in many parts of India.
The arrival of the monsoon season is closely linked to the festival, and farmers believe that performing puja on this day can bring good rains and a bountiful harvest.
Cultural Importance
Ganga Dussehra is an important cultural festival in many parts of India, especially in the northern states.
It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and people come together to take a dip in the river, perform puja, and offer prayers to Goddess Ganga.
It is also regarded as an auspicious day to purchase new house property, vehicle, make investments, etc.
On this day, it is also auspicious for moving to a new house.
Overall, Ganga Dussehra is a significant festival that celebrates the descent of the holy river Ganga and holds great spiritual and cultural significance for the people of India.
Ganga Dussehra Rituals
On the day of Ganga Dussehra, there are several rituals that are traditionally followed by the Devotees on this day.
Let’s find some of the common rituals associated with Ganga Dussehra that you can follow on this day.
- Taking a Holy Dip: One of the most important rituals of Ganga Dussehra is taking a dip in the holy river Ganga. It is believed that taking a dip in the river on this day can purify the soul and wash away all sins.
- Offering Prayers: People visit the banks of the river and offer prayers to Goddess Ganga. They light diyas (lamps), participate in Deep Daan and offer flowers and sweets as a part of the puja (worship).
- Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast on Ganga Dussehra. Some people fast throughout the day, while others fast until they take a dip in the river.
Importance of Fasting on Religious Festivals
- Donating: It is considered auspicious to donate food, clothes or money to the poor and needy on Ganga Dussehra.
- Reciting Mantras: Many people recite mantras dedicated to Maa Ganga, such as the Ganga Stotram or the Ganga Chalisa.
- Visiting Temples: Devotees also visit temples dedicated to Goddess Ganga on this day and seek Maa Ganga’s blessings.
Famous Temples to Visit During Chaitra Navratri
Hence, the rituals of Ganga Dussehra are centred around worshipping Maa Ganga and seeking her blessings for the purification of the soul and a happy and prosperous life.
Mythological Legend Behind Ganga Dussehra
Let’s find here the mythological legend behind Ganga Dussehra
According to Hindu mythology and scriptures, there was a King named Sagara who ruled the Suryavansha dynasty during the Satya Yuga.
King Sagara once performed the Ashwamedha Yagya to demonstrate his sovereignty.
Lord Indra, fearing the outcomes of this yagya, stole the horses of the ceremony and left them in the hermitage of Sage Kapila.
When King Sagara and his sons learned about the missing horses, they mistakenly accused Sage Kapila and planned to attack him in anger.
But, before they attack the sage, he cursed them, and as a result, all of them were burnt.
Sage Kapila then returned the horses to King Sagara’s grandson, Ayushman.
On the request of King Ayushman to liberate his ancestors from the curse, Sage Kapila informed him that the curse could only be lifted if Goddess Ganga descended to Earth and purified their souls with her divine water. Bhagirath, one of the successors of the King, performed penance to seek the help of deities and to purify the souls of his forefathers.
Pleased with his penance, Lord Brahma assured king Bhagirath that Goddess Ganga would come to Earth to help him.
However, the surge of Ganga was so powerful that it could destroy the Earth.
Lord Brahma instructed Bhagirath to request Lord Shiva to release the river from his hair, as only he could control the flow of Ganga.
With devotion, dedication and penance, Bhagirath convinced Lord Shiva to release Ganga.
Thus, the holy river was released and the river purified the souls of his forefathers.
Hence, the day on which Ganga descended to the Earth is celebrated as Ganga Dussehra, and the day on which Bhagiratha’s prayers and penance were answered by Lord Brahma is celebrated as Ganga Saptami.
It is believed that by taking a dip in the holy river Ganga on Ganga Saptami as well as on Ganga Dussehra, one can purify their sins and attain salvation.
Ganga Dussehra
India is a land of innumerable festivals, in pace with the cycle of the seasons.
These proceed with sowings and harvesting and around them have grown legends, most of them portraying the victory of good over evil.
These fairs and festivals impart color and gaiety to life of the Indians.
The Indian calendar is marked by superfluity of such big and small occasions.
Some festivals are mainly of religious nature, and others are related more to, change of season and harvesting.
They have a retentive past and many have gone through major alterations.
Though, the enthusiasm for some of the festivals also seems to be vanishing, yet they are capable of bringing about a change in the lifestyle of the people.
Some festivals and fasts are specific protocols of religion which aims towards communication with the Almighty.
The vivacity of the people is reflected in the colorful liveliness of the fairs and festivals.
Processions, prayers, new attires, dance, music etc. are essentials related to any of such celebration.
Ganga, the sacred river is respected by the Hindus as a mother as well as a goddess. Ganga Dusshera in Uttar Pradesh is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Jayeshta.
Ten days of this month are dedicated to the worship of the holy Ganga River.
Time for celebrating the Ganga Dussehra Festival
The Ganga Dussehra in Uttar Pradesh takes place every year in the month of June and continues for 10 days.
Surely there can be no better time to plan your trip to Uttar Pradesh.
It gives you the wonderful opportunity to be a part of a religious festival and fair and also be witness to the spectacular carnival.
Description of the Ganga Dussehra in Uttar Pradesh:
According to the folklore, ‘Gangavataran’ or the descent of the Ganga (Ganges) happened at this time.
Goddess Ganga, the eldest daughter of Himavan and Mena, and sister of Parvathi, had been married to the gods in heaven but afterwards brought down to earth by the great meditation of Bhagiratha, grandson of king Sagara of Ayodhya.
Ganga came down to earth quite unwillingly and Lord Shiva took her on his entangled locks, to shun the danger of Ganga’s rage.
She then came down to earth from the matted locks of Lord Shiva in seven streams.
The source of the Ganga is at Gaumukh, which is a 2 day trek from Gangotri in Uttaranchal.
Places like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Varanasi, Garh-Mukteswar, Prayag, etc where River Ganga flows, hold unique implication on this day.
Devotees from all over the country flock to these places and Varanasi.
Varanasi with its several ghats placed on the western bank of the Ganga, is crowded by pilgrims to touch the river water, bathe in it and take the river clay home to worship.
A bath in the river Ganga is considered to cleanse any person of all sins, and to die on its banks is believed to be most fortunate.
If this is not possible, then the submersion of the ashes after cremation in the river Ganga is believed to liberate one from the constant cycles of birth and re-birth.
In Haridwar, ‘aratis’ are executed at sundown and a large number of devotees meditate on the river banks.
Ganga jal is collected in sealed containers in homes by the devotees and is used on holy days in purifying places.
People, who cannot reach the Ganga banks on this day, bathe in some close by pond or river evoking Ganga by chanting her name and offering prayers to the goddess.
Ganga Dussehra
Ganga is observed as a divine river in not only India but also amongst the most sacred rivers across the world.
This truth is universal and is believed by all Indians and also by famous scholars of the world.
River.
It is worshiped like a Goddess and it is believed that it was the tenth day of Jyeshta bright half when she was descended on earth from heaven.
The day is celebrated as Ganga Dussehra.
On this day, after a lot of hard work and penance of Bhagirath, a Suryavanshi king, got success to bring down the river to earth.
Since then, every year the occasion of Ganga Dussehra is celebrated by performing several rites and rituals of Ganga pooja to commemorate her.
The Significance of Ganga Dussehra
When river Ganga incarnated on earth that occasion was obliged with rare ten vedic astrologic calculations.
Jyeshtha month, Shukla Paksha (bright half), Tenth date, Wednesday, Hasta Nakshatra, Vyatipata yoga, Gar Anand Yog and Moon in Virgo and Sun in Tauras, these all ten Yogas absorb all the ten sins by merely take a bath in river Ganga on Ganga Dussehra.
Those all ten sins in which among three are organic, four verbal and other three are mental are proclaimed.
Organic means sins conducted by heavenly body and these are,
1. Fetch anything from others forcibly,
2. Violence,
3. Contact with other woman. Among four types of verbal sins are,
1. Speak harsh words,
2. Tell a lie,
3. Complain for others and
4. Irrelevant rambling are included.
To occupy others assets, desire to harm others and discussions on irrelevant topics are considered as the top most mental sins.
As far as possible one should avoid involving in all these activities as these are considered as the biggest sins in our mythology but still if occur mistakenly then can demolish by just take a holy dip and perform pooja in Ganga on Ganga Dussehra.
Ganga Dussehra Rituals
If it is not possible to take bath in Ganga on Ganga Dussehra pray at some other river or reservoir or with pure water at home as per the convenience.
After that should do recital pooja in front of idol of Ganga.
The idol of Ganga is considered as Trinetr, quadrilateral, adorned with white clothes and white lotus.
King Bhagirath and Himalaya should also be worshipped which is highly recommended during Ganga pooja.
Lord Shiva is the prime deity to be worship during the Ganga Pooja as he is sole owner and holder of river Ganga and by grace of his mercy only sent the river on earth for the welfare of mankind.
The donation of ten eatable items mainly fruits and black sesame seeds are considered most auspicious.
Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra is a sacred Hindu festival that commemorates the mythological descent of the river Ganges from heaven to Earth.
Observed on the auspicious tenth day (Dashami) of the waxing moon during the month of Jyeshtha (May-June), this occasion carries much religious, cultural, and social significance, especially for Hindu communities residing along the banks of the river Ganga.
Beyond its religious connotations, Ganga Dussehra serves as a cultural touchstone, fostering unity and community spirit as devotees gather to honor the river goddess.
It is a time of vibrant celebrations, marked by rituals, prayers, and offerings made to Goddess Ganga.
Additionally, the festival provides an opportunity for cultural exchanges, with processions, cultural programs, and kite-flying events showcasing India’s rich heritage.
Amidst the festivities, there is also a growing awareness of the need for environmental conservation and cleanliness, underscoring the importance of preserving the purity of the sacred river for future generations.
The Legend and Significance
Ganga Dussehra is steeped in the rich labyrinth of Hindu mythology, celebrating the divine event of Goddess Ganga’s descent from heaven to Earth.
At its core lies the tale of Bhagiratha, a noble descendant of the Sagar dynasty, whose unwavering devotion and intense penance sought to cleanse the souls of his ancestors.
Legend has it that Bhagiratha’s ancestors, cursed by the sage Kapila, had perished in the flames of his wrathful gaze.
Determined to redeem their souls and grant them salvation, Bhagiratha embarked on a formidable quest.
He undertook rigorous penance and pleaded with the gods for mercy.
Moved by Bhagiratha’s fervent prayers, Goddess Ganga consented to descend to Earth.
Emerging from the sacred Kamandal of Lord Brahma, she cascaded down to fulfill her divine mission.
However, her mighty descent threatened to unleash chaos and devastation upon the Earth.
In a moment of divine intervention, Lord Shiva, the great ascetic, intercepted Ganga’s tumultuous flow.
He captured her within the coils of his matted locks, thereby diffusing her formidable force.
Through his benevolent act, Shiva transformed Ganga’s tumult into a serene and life-giving river, bestowing upon her the capacity to nurture and sustain life.
Thus, Ganga descended from the heavens, her sacred waters imbued with purity and sanctity, a testament to the power of devotion and divine intervention.
Ganga Dussehra stands as a commemoration of this celestial journey, an ode to the triumph of righteousness and the eternal bond between humanity and the divine.
Celebrations and Rituals
Ganga Dussehra unfolds as a grand celebration across India, particularly in regions graced by the presence of the sacred river Ganga.
In the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and West Bengal, where the Ganga flows majestically, the festival is embraced with unparalleled fervor and devotion.
Vibrant cities like Haridwar, Varanasi, Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), and Patna emerge as bustling hubs of festivities, drawing devotees from far and wide to partake in the sacred rituals.
The festivities commence at the break of dawn as devotees gather on the banks of the Ganga, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to immerse themselves in the holy waters.
Taking a holy dip in the river Ganga during this auspicious occasion is believed to cleanse one’s sins and bestow divine blessings, paving the path toward spiritual purification and enlightenment.
As the day progresses, devotees engage in elaborate puja rituals dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
Offerings of fragrant flowers, luscious fruits, and delectable sweets are meticulously arranged as tokens of reverence and devotion.
The air resonates with the melodious chants of hymns and prayers, invoking the benevolence of the river goddess and seeking her divine blessings for prosperity and well-being.
As twilight descends, the atmosphere becomes infused with an ethereal glow as aarti ceremonies unfold along the riverbanks.
Devotees gather in unison, holding flickering lamps and incense sticks, as they offer their heartfelt prayers to the river goddess.
The mesmerizing sight of flames dancing upon the waters, accompanied by the rhythmic chanting of mantras, creates a surreal ambiance, evoking a sense of deep spiritual transcendence and divine communion.
A highlight of the festivities is the enchanting spectacle of leaf boats adorned with vibrant flowers, gently set adrift upon the sacred waters of Ganga.
These symbolic offerings symbolize the journey of the soul, guided by the benevolent grace of Goddess Ganga, towards ultimate liberation and enlightenment.
Through these sacred rituals and vibrant celebrations, Ganga Dussehra serves as a poignant reminder of the eternal bond between humanity and the divine, a testament to the enduring reverence and adoration bestowed upon the sacred river Ganges, the lifeblood of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Cultural Significance
Ganga Dussehra is much more than a religious festival and is a vibrant celebration of India’s diverse culture.
Beyond the rituals and prayers, the festival ignites a spirit of camaraderie and cultural exchange among communities.
Colorful processions wind through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances that showcase India’s rich artistic heritage.
Cultural programs featuring folk dances, music recitals, and theatrical performances add a dynamic flair to the festivities, captivating audiences with their vibrancy and vitality.
Kite-flying events dot the skyline, as vibrant hues and intricate designs adorn the heavens, symbolizing the soaring spirit of unity and joy that pervades the occasion.
Families gather on rooftops and open spaces, bonding over the shared exhilaration of sending kites aloft amidst the gentle breeze.
Moreover, Ganga Dussehra catalyzes fostering inter-community harmony and understanding.
It provides a platform for people from diverse backgrounds to come together, exchange greetings, and strengthen bonds of friendship and solidarity.
Through these cultural exchanges and shared experiences, Ganga Dussehra transcends religious boundaries, uniting people in a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring significance of the sacred river Ganga.
Social Impact and Environmental Awareness
In recent times, alongside its religious and cultural dimensions, Ganga Dussehra has emerged as a catalyst for social impact and environmental awareness.
Recognizing the critical need to preserve the purity and sanctity of the river Ganga, various initiatives have been launched to promote environmental conservation and cleanliness.
Campaigns focusing on the cleanliness of the river and the preservation of its fragile ecosystem have gained momentum, drawing attention to the detrimental effects of pollution and encroachment on the river’s health.
Through concerted efforts, communities, NGOs, and government agencies collaborate to undertake clean-up drives, waste management programs, and afforestation initiatives along the riverbanks.
Awareness programs are organized to educate the public about the importance of maintaining Ganga’s’ pristine condition.
These initiatives emphasize the need for sustainable practices, responsible waste disposal, and the protection of aquatic life.
Additionally, efforts are made to mitigate industrial pollution and regulate harmful practices that threaten the river’s ecological balance.
By harnessing the collective power of advocacy and grassroots activism, Ganga Dussehra has become a platform for fostering environmental consciousness and promoting sustainable stewardship of the river Ganga.
As communities unite to safeguard the river’s legacy for future generations, the festival serves as a powerful reminder of the profound interconnectedness between human well-being and environmental health.
Conclusion
In , Ganga Dussehra has outgrown its religious origins to embody a multifaceted celebration of faith, culture, and community.
It serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic connection between humanity and the sacred river Ganges, which nourishes not only the body but also the soul of millions of devotees.
As worshippers converge to honor Goddess Ganga, they also renew their pledge to safeguard the river’s purity and sanctity for future generations.
Through collective reverence and concerted efforts in environmental conservation, Ganga Dussehra becomes a testament to the enduring legacy of India’s cultural heritage and the timeless significance of the revered Ganga in shaping the nation’s spiritual and social fabric.
All about Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dusshera, also known as Gangavataran or Jahnu Saptami is a Hindu festival that marks the descent of the holy river Ganges from heaven to earth.
It is celebrated on the 10th day of the bright lunar fortnight of the Hindu month of Vaishakha which usually falls in April or May.
History of Ganga Dussehra :
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on to commemorate the journey of River Ganges from heaven to earth.
It is unknown when it was exactly started as it is as old as Ganges itself.
Hinduism believes in divine origin of all the natural things that it believed mighty.
So is with the origin of River Ganges.
Legend of descent of Ganges from Heaven :
Legends tell that there was a Rishi Kapil mentioned in many scriptures and Puranas of Hindu Religion.
Sage Kapil used to do penance to attain salvation.
Once he was disturbed by notorious sons of King Sagar.
In a fit of rage Sage Kapil burnt them to ashes by his curse.
Then there was no River Ganges.
It was believed that the souls of 60,000 sons couldn’t rest in ultimate peace until there ashes are immersed into the holy water of River Ganges.
At that time River Ganges used to flow in heavens.
According to belief a descendant must try to do last rites of their ancestors to get them into peace.
Then, King Bhagirath, the great grandson of King Sagar started a penance to bring mighty River Ganges from heaven to the earth.
After thousands of years passed in penance, deities got pleased with penance or Tapa of King Bhagirath and agreed to send heavenly River Ganges on earth.
But River Ganges was not happy with this decision as she was married by her parents Himavan and Mena to a heavenly god.
In anger, she put one condition that she would descend with all tumult and force of its waters.
It was destructive for earth. Then again King Bhagirath penanced to please Lord Shiva to control River Ganges.
Lord Shiva held all the water of River Ganges in his hair locks.
Again King Bhagirath did a penance to please Lord Shiva from his hair locks for last rites of his ancestors.
Finally Lord Shiva released a stream of River Ganges from his hair locks which is often seen in depictions of religious pictures of Hindu Religion.
Thus, River Ganges descended from Kailash Mountains, the abode of Lord Shiva and is rejuvenating civilizations after civilizations on its banks thereafter.
Ganga Dussehra in Varanasi :
People of Varanasi celebrate Ganga Dussehra with special pinch of ritual acts that is different from that of whole India.
In Varanasi people keep fasts on this occasion.
They take a holy dip into the holy water of River Ganges.
Light incense and offer flowers to River Ganges.
Fairs are held on river banks.
People gather in groups and sing devotional songs.
A special Aarti on this occasion is performed on each ghat besides magnificent Aarti of AssiGhat.
In evening people flow earthen lamps in river water with flowers and other ritualistic materials.
On this day if one is not able to take a dip into river water he is supposed to bathe with water mixed with few drops of river water.
People believe a bathe in river on this occasion removes ten sins.
Varanasi holds immense importance for Hindus as it is considered abode of Lord Shiva. 84 Ghats of Varanasi are a symbolic of 84 lac yonis or births.
It is believed that a human being goes through a cycle of 84 lacs births before coming to human form.
Belief is that one gets salvation if he is cremated in Varanasi or visit once in life to Varanasi.
This leads to a huge gathering of people from across the country to Varanasi.
Ghats on this day are not easily accessible.
A heavy security arrangement is made by Uttar Pradesh government to manage crowd.
A thought of bath in river on this day is a test of your tolerance as you would have to wait hours in queue to take a dip.
Are rituals polluting Ganga? :
Though government efforts to rejuvenate and cleanse river water are rapid and much has changed with BJP coming into the power people need to cooperate with government efforts to make their revered rivers sustainable.
Though these rituals and activities are coming for generations and couldn’t be banned these contribute a large towards river pollution.
A government campaign could fill the gap between people and government.
Ritualistic activities need to be controlled to make river sustain for salvation of future generations.
How can you pollute such a revered thing just to get salvation!!!