Ganga Dussehra is a Hindu festival that commemorates the divine descent of the sacred River Ganges, also known as Ganga, from the heavens to Earth. This annual celebration holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for millions of devotees across India, particularly in the northern regions where the Ganges flows.

The origins of Ganga Dussehra can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and legends. According to Hindu mythology, the River Ganges is personified by the goddess Ganga, who is believed to have descended from the celestial realm to the mortal world at the request of King Bhagirath. The story goes that King Bhagirath, through intense penance and devotion, pleased the gods and convinced them to allow the Ganges to flow down to Earth. This event is said to have occurred on the 10^th day or Dashami, of the bright half of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which typically falls between May and June. The descent of the Ganges is seen as a profound act of divine grace, as the river’s sacred waters are believed to have the power to purify the soul and wash away sins. Hindus consider it a great blessing to bathe in the Ganges on this auspicious day, as it is thought to bring spiritual liberation and prosperity. The festival also honours Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have descended as the River Ganges to help his devotee Bhagirath get rid of his sins after he sinned.

According to the legend, when the Ganges descended from the heavens, the force of the river was so powerful that it threatened to destroy the earth. To prevent this, Lord Shiva is said to have broken the Ganges into twelve streams using his trident, allowing the river to gently flow down to Earth. The story of the Ganges’ descent from heaven to Earth is commemorated as Ganga Dussehra or Ganga Jayanti when people celebrate the arrival of this auspicious river on Earth.

The name Ganga Dussehra comes from the Sanskrit words Dasha, meaning ten and Hara, meaning to destroy or to defeat. The festival is called Ganga Dussehra because it is believed that bathing in the Ganges River during the 10 days of the festival can rid a person of ten sins or ten lifetimes of sins. So the full name Ganga Dussehra signifies the festival celebrating the descent of the holy Ganges River from heaven, during which devotees can attain purification by bathing in the river and ridding themselves of ten lifetimes of sins.

Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with great fervour and devotion across various regions of India, particularly in the states where the Ganges flows, such as Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Each region has its own unique customs and traditions associated with the festival.

One of the most prominent celebrations of Ganga Dussehra takes place in the holy city of Haridwar, located on the banks of the Ganges in the state of Uttarakhand. Haridwar is considered one of the most sacred places along the Ganges and is a hub for Hindu pilgrimage. In Haridwar, the Ganga Dussehra festivities begin on the Amavasya or new moon night and continue for ten days, culminating on the Dashami or tenth day. During this time, thousands of devotees flock to the riverbanks to take a holy dip in the Ganges, believed to purify the body and soul.

The highlight of the celebrations in Haridwar is the Ganga Aarti, a captivating ritual where priests perform an elaborate ceremony of offering prayers and lighting lamps along the riverbanks. As the sun sets, the entire stretch of the Ganges is illuminated by the flickering flames of the lamps, creating a mesmerizing and spiritual atmosphere.

Various cultural programs, such as music and dance performances, are organised during the festival, showcasing the rich heritage of the region. Devotees also engage in chanting, recitation of sacred texts, and the distribution of prasad (sacred offerings) throughout the celebrations.

Another significant celebration of Ganga Dussehra takes place at the Gangotri Temple, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This temple is considered the mythological source of the Ganges and is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus. During Ganga Dussehra, the temple complex is adorned with vibrant decorations, and elaborate ceremonies are performed by the priests. Devotees gather to witness the ceremonial aarti and partake in the festivities, which include the chanting of sacred hymns, the offering of prayers, and the distribution of prasad.

The Gangotri Temple holds special significance during Ganga Dussehra, as it is believed to be the place where the Ganges descended from the heavens to Earth. Pilgrims and devotees flock to the temple to seek the blessings of the Goddess Ganga and to purify themselves through a dip in the sacred waters.

The city of Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is another important centre for the celebration of Ganga Dussehra. Varanasi is considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, as it is situated on the banks of the Ganges and is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. In Varanasi, the Ganga Dussehra festivities are marked by grand processions, cultural performances, the lighting of lamps along the ghats, and the riverfront steps of the Ganges. Devotees gather to take a holy dip in the river, perform rituals, and offer prayers to the Goddess Ganga.

The Ganga Aarti, a captivating ritual where priests offer prayers and light lamps on the riverbanks, is a highlight of the celebrations in Varanasi. Thousands of devotees and tourists gather to witness this mesmerizing spectacle, which is a testament to the deep-rooted reverence for the Ganges in Hindu culture.

Ganga Dussehra is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in other regions along the Ganges, such as Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. In these areas, the festival is marked by various cultural programs, religious ceremonies, and the lighting of lamps along the riverbanks.

In some parts of Bihar and Jharkhand, Ganga Dussehra is celebrated alongside the Navaratri festival, where the goddess Durga is revered. During this time, large pandals or temporary structures are erected, and the deities are worshipped with great fervour.

The main rituals and customs associated with Ganga Dussehra include taking a holy dip in the Ganges River, with devotees believing that bathing in the Ganges on Ganga Dussehra can purify the body and soul, wash away sins, and bring spiritual liberation. An elaborate ritual where priests offer prayers and light lamps along the riverbanks, known as the Ganga aarti, is performed, which creates a mesmerising and spiritual atmosphere. This is a highlight of the celebrations, especially in cities like Haridwar and Varanasi. As the Ganges is personified as the Goddess Ganga, devotees worship and offer prayers to seek her blessings. In some regions, like West Bengal, Ganga Dussehra is celebrated alongside the Navaratri festival, where the goddess Durga is worshipped. The festival culminates with the immersion of the Durga idol into the river. In the southern states of India, Ganga Dussehra is also celebrated as the day to begin new educational pursuits, with the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning. A ritual in West Bengal where married women play with vermilion or sindoor, known as Sindur Khela, is performed as part of the Dussehra celebrations. In parts of Uttar Pradesh, people collect the leaves of the Banni tree and exchange them as a symbol of gold, as per an ancient legend.

Ganga Dussehra holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for Hindus, as it represents the divine connection between the mortal world and the celestial realm. The festival is a celebration of the Ganges River’s descent from heaven, which is believed to have the power to purify the soul and bring about spiritual liberation. For Hindus, the Ganges is not just a physical river but a sacred embodiment of the Goddess Ganga, who is revered as a source of life, fertility, and divine grace. The act of bathing in the Ganges on Ganga Dussehra is seen as a means of cleansing oneself of sins and attaining spiritual enlightenment. The festival also holds deep cultural significance, as it reflects the rich heritage and traditions of India. The various rituals, customs, and celebrations associated with Ganga Dussehra showcase the diversity and unity of the Hindu faith as people from all walks of life come together to honour the divine river.

Ganga Dussehra is a time of community and social harmony, as the festivities bring people together, transcending religious, social, and economic boundaries. The shared experience of celebrating the descent of the Ganges fosters a sense of unity and collective identity among the devotees. The festival holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for Hindus across India. The celebration of the Ganges’ descent from the heavens to Earth is a testament to the deep-rooted reverence and connection that the Hindu faith has with this sacred river. The festival’s ability to bring people together, transcending boundaries, is a testament to the unifying power of faith and the shared cultural heritage of India. As the Ganges continues to be a vital lifeline for millions of people in India, the celebration of Ganga Dussehra serves as a reminder of the river’s sacred significance and the importance of preserving its sanctity for generations to come.