Ganga Dussehra 2023: Know date, significance and rituals here

Ganga Dussehra 2023: Know date, significance and rituals here

Ganga Dussehra 2023: Ganga Dussehra is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm and devotion in India. It is also known as Gangavataran. It is believed that the day commemorates the descending of the sacred Ganga to Earth. On the tenth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu calendar month of Jyeshtha, Ganga Dussehra takes place.

Ganga Dussehra 2023: Date

This year, Ganga Dussehra will be celebrated on May 30, 2023 (Tuesday).

Ganga Dussehra 2023: History

According to Hindu legend, King Bhagirath wished to save his forefathers' souls by purifying their spirits. When he asked Lord Brahma for help, he told him to pray to Lord Shiva rather because drawing the powerful Ganga to Earth was a difficult feat. Responding to King Bhagirath's prayers, Lord Shiva managed to control the powerful flow of the Ganges, ensuring its descent to Earth without causing destruction. Ganga Dussehra commemorates the day when Ganga was brought to the earthly realm, symbolising a significant event in Hindu mythology.

Ganga Dussehra 2023: Significance

As a celebration of the sacred river's purifying and cleaning properties, the event is very significant from both a religious and cultural perspective. In order to get blessings and atone for their sins, devotees congregate along the banks of the Ganga and offer prayers, carry out rituals, and take holy dips in the river.

Ganga Dussehra 2023: Celebrations and rituals 

Followers travel to Prayagraj/Allahabad, Garhmukteshwar, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi to celebrate Ganga Dussehra, when they immerse themselves in Ganga's holy waters. Particularly Varanasi is well known for its vivacious celebrations of Ganga Dussehra. Numerous devotees actively participate in the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony done at the Dasaswamedh Ghat as well as the ceremonial act of taking a holy bath in the river.