KKN Gurugram Desk | Ganga Dussehra, a significant Hindu festival, commemorates the descent of the sacred river Ganga to Earth. In 2025, it will be observed on Thursday, June 5.
Article Contents
Date and Auspicious Timings
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Festival Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
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Dashami Tithi Begins: June 4, 2025, at 11:54 PM IST
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Dashami Tithi Ends: June 6, 2025, at 2:15 AM IST
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Shubh Muhurat for Snan (Holy Bath): June 5, 2025, from 5:25 AM to 7:40 AM IST
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Hasta Nakshatra: Begins at 3:35 AM on June 5 and ends at 6:34 AM on June 6
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Vyatipata Yoga: Begins at 9:14 AM on June 5 and ends at 10:13 AM on June
Significance of Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra marks the occasion when Goddess Ganga descended from heaven to Earth to purify the souls of King Bhagiratha’s ancestors and cleanse humanity’s sins. According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagiratha’s penance led to Ganga’s arrival, and Lord Shiva captured her in his matted hair to prevent Earth’s destruction from her mighty flow. Bathing in the Ganges on this day is believed to wash away sins and bring spiritual peace.
Rituals and Observances
1. Holy Bath (Snan): Devotees take a dip in the Ganges during the auspicious time to cleanse themselves of sins. If unable to visit the river, bathing at home with Ganga jal (holy water) is considered beneficial.
2. Puja Vidhi:
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Place a picture or idol of Goddess Ganga on a clean platform.
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Offer flowers, incense, lamps, and sweets.
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Chant mantras like “Om Namah Gange” and “Om Namo Gangaayai Vishwaroopinyai Narayanyai Namah”.
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Perform aarti and distribute prasad.
3. Charity (Daan): Donating items like food, clothes, and money to the needy is considered auspicious. It’s advised to avoid donating items made of leather or plastic.
4. Fasting: Some devotees observe a fast, refraining from consuming grains and certain vegetables, to purify the body and mind.
Celebrations Across India
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with great fervor in cities along the Ganges, including Haridwar, Varanasi, Rishikesh, Prayagraj, and Patna. Devotees gather at ghats to participate in rituals, offer prayers, and witness the grand Ganga Aarti.
Do’s and Don’ts on Ganga Dussehra
Do’s:
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Take a holy dip in the Ganges or bathe with Ganga jal at home.
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Offer prayers and perform rituals with devotion.
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Engage in charitable activities.
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Maintain a sattvic (pure) diet.
Don’ts:
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Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol.
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Refrain from using harsh words or engaging in negative behavior.
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Do not pollute the river or its surroundings.
Ganga Dussehra is a time for spiritual cleansing and devotion. Observing the rituals with sincerity is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings.
