🌊 Ganga Dussehra 2025 – Date, Significance, Rituals & Celebration in India
Published by: Vizzve Culture | Updated: May 12, 2025
Category: Hindu Festivals | Indian Traditions | Spiritual Tourism
🗓️ Ganga Dussehra 2025 Date:
Monday, June 9, 2025
🙏 What is Ganga Dussehra?
Ganga Dussehra is a sacred Hindu festival that marks the descent of the holy river Ganga from heaven to Earth. It falls on the Dashami (10th day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha, as per the Hindu lunar calendar.
Believers say that a dip in the Ganges on this day cleanses all sins and brings spiritual upliftment.
📍 Where is Ganga Dussehra Celebrated?
While the Ganges flows through several states, the most grand and spiritual celebrations happen in:
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Haridwar (Uttarakhand)
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Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
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Prayagraj
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Rishikesh
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Patna
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Garhmukteshwar
Lakhs of devotees gather along the ghats to perform Ganga Snan (ritual bathing), deep daan (lamp offerings), and aarti ceremonies.
🕉️ Rituals Performed on Ganga Dussehra
🛁 1. Holy Bath (Ganga Snan)
Devotees wake up early to bathe in the river Ganga, especially at sunrise. It’s believed that doing so washes away 10 types of sins—hence the name “Dussehra” (meaning ten).
🪔 2. Ganga Aarti
The evening Ganga Aarti in Haridwar and Varanasi is a breathtaking sight. Priests hold large lamps while devotees chant mantras and offer flowers and diyas into the river.
📜 3. Charity & Fasting
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Many observe a partial or full fast
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Distribute food, clothes, and water to the needy
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Donations to cow shelters, temples, and for river conservation are encouraged
📚 Mythological Significance
According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagirath performed intense penance to bring the Ganges down to Earth to purify the ashes of his ancestors. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva caught Ganga in his matted hair to control her powerful flow and released her gently onto Earth.
This divine event occurred on the Dashami of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha—celebrated today as Ganga Dussehra.
📸 Ganga Dussehra Travel Tip – Experience the Devotion
Want to witness the power of Indian faith and culture?
🧳 Plan a trip to Varanasi or Haridwar between June 7–10, 2025. Watch the aarti, float your diya in the river, and experience spiritual India at its best.
📍Travel Tip: Book trains and hotels in advance as lakhs travel for the holy snan.
💬 FAQs
Q1. Is Ganga Dussehra a public holiday?
➡️ It’s not a national holiday but is regionally significant in UP, Uttarakhand, and Bihar.
Q2. What to donate on Ganga Dussehra?
➡️ Water pots, sugar, fruits, clothes, and umbrellas are considered auspicious.
Q3. Can I celebrate Ganga Dussehra without going to the Ganga?
➡️ Yes. You can chant “Om Namo Gangaayai Namah” 108 times and donate to environmental causes or temples.