Major Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra commemorates the descent of the sacred River Ganga from the heavens to earth, an event known as Ganga Avataran. According to the Ramayana and Puranas, King Bhagirath performed intense penance for thousands of years to bring the Ganga down from Swarga (heaven) to liberate the ashes of his 60,000 ancestors. Lord Brahma released the Ganga from his kamandal, and Shiva caught her in his matted locks (jata) to cushion her fall before releasing her to earth. The day falls on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of Jyeshtha. Bathing in the Ganga on this day is believed to wash away ten types of sins (Dasha Papas) — hence 'Dussehra' (remover of ten sins).
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Ganga Dussehra celebrates the sacred event of Ganga's descent — Ganga Avataran. Bathing in the Ganga on this Dashami tithi is said to destroy ten types of sins (three physical, four verbal, three mental). The Ganga is revered as Moksha Dayini — the giver of liberation. This day is also auspicious for donating ten items (Dasha Daan) such as sesame, clothes, and food.
Rituals & Traditions
Bathe in the River Ganga at sunrise. Offer Ganga Jal, flowers, and diyas to the river. Donate ten items (Dasha Daan) — sesame seeds, jaggery, clothes, footwear, ghee, etc. Recite Ganga Stotram or Ganga Sahastranama. Light 10 diyas on a leaf boat and float on the river. Visit Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar for the grand Ganga Aarti.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Ganga Dussehra?
Ganga Dussehra commemorates the descent of the sacred River Ganga from the heavens to earth, an event known as Ganga Avataran. According to the Ramayana and Puranas, King Bhagirath performed intense penance for thousands of years to bring the Ganga d...
Q.What is the significance of Ganga Dussehra?
Ganga Dussehra celebrates the sacred event of Ganga's descent — Ganga Avataran. Bathing in the Ganga on this Dashami tithi is said to destroy ten types of sins (three physical, four verbal, three mental). The Ganga is revered as Moksha Dayini — the giver of liberation. This day is also auspicious for donating ten items (Dasha Daan) such as sesame, clothes, and food.
Q.What are the rituals of Ganga Dussehra?
Bathe in the River Ganga at sunrise. Offer Ganga Jal, flowers, and diyas to the river. Donate ten items (Dasha Daan) — sesame seeds, jaggery, clothes, footwear, ghee, etc. Recite Ganga Stotram or Ganga Sahastranama. Light 10 diyas on a leaf boat and float on the river. Visit Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar for the grand Ganga Aarti.
Q.What foods are made during Ganga Dussehra?
Sattu Sherbet, Mango, Kheer, Puri Sabzi, Panchamrit