Ganga Dussehra

Ganga Dussehra is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in Uttar Pradesh, along with other states where the Ganges flows. It marks the descent of the sacred river Ganga from heaven to earth, an event steeped in mythology and devotion. The festival falls on the tenth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, usually in May or June.

The origins of Ganga Dussehra trace back to the legend of King Bhagirath, who performed intense penance to bring the Ganges to earth to purify the ashes of his ancestors, who were cursed by Sage Kapil. Pleased with his devotion, the gods allowed the river to descend, with Lord Shiva tempering its powerful flow by catching it in his matted locks before releasing it gently to the earth. This mythological event is celebrated with great fervour across the ghats of Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Varanasi, Haridwar, and Prayagraj.

During Ganga Dussehra, devotees take ritualistic dips in the Ganges, believing that the holy waters will cleanse their sins and bring them salvation. The festival is marked by various religious activities, including the lighting of lamps, offering of flowers, and performing aarti (prayer rituals) on the riverbanks. The atmosphere is filled with devotion, music, and the chanting of hymns, creating a spiritually uplifting experience.