ॐ
Loading…
क्षण भर प्रतीक्षा करें
Loading…
क्षण भर प्रतीक्षा करें
Jyeshtha • Shukla Paksha • Dashami
The day Ma Ganga descended from heaven to earth — ten dips wash away the ten cardinal sins.
Date for this festival is not yet available. Please check back later.
Considered one of the most important snan-parvas (bathing festivals) of the year, second only to Maha Kumbh and Magh Purnima at the sangam. Bathing in the Ganga today is said to liberate the bather and seven generations of ancestors. Donations of ten items (water pots, fans, fruits, sesame, jaggery, sandal, salt, white cloth, gold and silver) are traditionally made.
Ganga Dussehra — sometimes spelled Ganga Dasahara — commemorates the descent of the holy river Ganga from the heavens to the earth, fulfilling King Bhagiratha's centuries-long penance to liberate the souls of his ancestors. The descent occurred on the Dashami tithi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha, with Lord Shiva catching the river in his matted hair to spare the earth from her cosmic force. The 'Dussehra' in the name refers to the ten (dasha) sins or evils — taking ten ritual dips today is said to wash them all away.
Presiding Deity:Ma Ganga, Bhagiratha
Take ten ritual dips in the Ganga at the prescribed muhurat — chanting Ganga's name with each dip.
Donate the 'Dasha Daan' — ten items: water pot, fan, fruits, sesame, jaggery, sandalwood, salt, white cloth, gold and silver (in any quantity).
Recite the Ganga Stotra ten times or perform the Ganga Sahasranama parayana.
Light ten lamps (deepa daan) on the riverbank at dusk and float them on the Ganga.
Perform Pitru Tarpan and Pind Daan for departed ancestors — especially powerful at Haridwar and Gaya.
When is Ganga Dussehra in 2026?
Ganga Dussehra in 2026 falls on TBA — the Dashami tithi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha. Nirjala Ekadashi follows the next day.
Why are ten dips required on Ganga Dussehra?
The 'dasha' in Dussehra refers to the ten cardinal sins (three of body, four of speech, three of mind). Each dip in the Ganga while remembering Ma Ganga is said to wash away one category. The full ten-dip snan therefore offers complete purification.
What is the difference between Ganga Dussehra and Vijayadashami (Dussehra)?
They are two completely different festivals that share the word 'dashami'. Ganga Dussehra (Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami, May/June) marks the descent of the Ganga. Vijayadashami / Dussehra (Ashvin Shukla Dashami, September/October) marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and the end of Sharad Navratri.
Ganga Saptami
The day Ma Ganga re-emerged from Lord Shiva's matted locks — observed for purification and ancestral peace.
Akshaya Tritiya
The day whose virtue never diminishes — most auspicious for new beginnings, gold purchase, and charity.
Buddha Purnima
The thrice-blessed full moon of Vaishakha — birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha.
Send this festival guide to family and friends.
This page updates automatically every year.