Ganga Dussehra 2025 Date, shubh muhurat snan daan, and rituals explained

India Today

24-05-2025

Ganga Dussehra, also known as Gangavataran, is a sacred Hindu festival celebrating the descent of the holy river Ganga to Earth. In 2025, this auspicious occasion will be observed on Thursday, June 5. The festival holds deep spiritual significance, especially for devotees of Goddess Ganga, and is marked by bathing rituals, charitable acts, and grand celebrations across India.advertisementGANGA DUSSEHRA 2025 DATE AND MUHURAT DETAILSGanga Dussehra date: Thursday, June 5, 2025Dashami tithi begins at 8:24 pm on June 4, 2025
Dashami tithi ends at 10:45 pm on June 5, 2025Hasta nakshatra begins at 12:05 am (June 5 early morning)Hasta nakshatra ends at 3:04 am on June 6, 2025Vyatipata yoga begins at 5:44 am on June 5, 2025Vyatipata yoga ends at 6:43 am on June 6, 2025SIGNIFICANCE OF GANGA DUSSEHRAGanga Dussehra marks the descent of the river Ganga from heaven to Earth. It is believed that the sacred river flowed down to purify and liberate the souls of King Bhagiratha's ancestors. The word "Dussehra" comes from 'Dasha,' meaning ten, and 'Hara,' meaning destroy—symbolising the river's power to destroy ten types of sins.STORY BEHIND GANGAVATARAN – DESCENT OF GANGAAccording to Hindu scriptures, the Goddess Ganga resided in Lord Brahma's kamandal (sacred vessel). Upon Bhagiratha's penance, Lord Shiva agreed to channel her descent, softening her intense flow by capturing her in his locks. As Ganga flowed to Earth, she not only purified the souls of Bhagiratha's ancestors but also brought the divine purity of heaven to the mortal world.RITUALS PERFORMED ON GANGA DUSSEHRAadvertisementHOLY DIP IN THE GANGES – GANGA SNANDevotees take a holy dip (Snan) in the river Ganga on this day, which is believed to cleanse all sins and negative karmas. Popular locations for the ritual include:HaridwarRishikeshVaranasiPrayagraj (Allahabad)GarhmukteshwarCHARITY AND DAAN – OFFERINGS FOR SPIRITUAL MERITPerforming daan (charity) is considered extremely beneficial on Ganga Dussehra. Items commonly donated include:Clothes (especially white cotton)Food and grains (particularly jaggery, rice, and wheat)Earthen lampsCopper or silver utensilsDonations to Brahmins and the poorGANGA PUJA AND AARTIDevotees perform Ganga Puja with flowers, diyas, incense, and Ganga Jal. Ganga Aarti, especially at Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi, is a grand sight with thousands participating, chanting hymns, and lighting lamps along the ghats.MANTRAS TO CHANT ON GANGA DUSSEHRAChanting Ganga stotras and mantras is believed to bring divine blessings and mental peace. Some powerful mantras include:'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Ganga Dharaya Namah''Har Har Gange'Recitation of Ganga Sahasranam or Ganga AshtakamThese chants enhance spiritual energy and invoke protection from sins and obstacles.IMPORTANT DISTINCTION – GANGA DUSSEHRA VS. GANGA JAYANTIWhile both festivals are associated with the Goddess Ganga, they are not the same:Ganga Jayanti celebrates the rebirth of Goddess Ganga.advertisementGanga Dussehra commemorates her descent from heaven to Earth.Ganga Dussehra is observed on Dashami of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha, while Ganga Jayanti is marked earlier in the year during Chaitra month.CONNECTION TO NIRJALA EKADASHIGanga Dussehra typically falls one day before Nirjala Ekadashi. However, in some years (depending on tithi overlap), both may fall on the same date. In 2025, Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on June 6, the day after Ganga Dussehra.SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF GANGA DUSSEHRAObserving Ganga Dussehra with devotion and sincerity is believed to:Cleanse the body and soul of all sinsImprove health and vitalityBring peace to ancestors' souls (Pitra Shanti)Attract divine grace and prosperityIt is also an opportunity to reconnect with nature, water conservation, and the sacredness of rivers.Ganga Dussehra 2025 is more than a festival—it is a celebration of purity, devotion, and nature's grace. As you prepare for this holy day on June 5, embrace the teachings of Ganga Devi. Whether through a sacred dip, charity, or prayer, let your actions flow with the same compassion and clarity as the Ganga herself.