Ganga Dusshera, also known as Ganga-avtaran, is a significant Hindu festival that commemorates the descent of the holy river Ganga (Ganges) from heaven to Earth. Celebrated over ten days, the festival concludes on the Dashami (10th day) of the waxing moon in the month of Jyeshtha (May–June). It holds profound spiritual significance, especially in northern India.
🕉️ Origin and Mythological Story
The story of Ganga Dusshera is rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly the Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, and Valmiki Ramayana.
King Bhagiratha, a descendant of the solar dynasty, performed rigorous penance for several years to bring the celestial river Ganga to Earth. His objective was to purify the ashes of his ancestors who had been cursed by Sage Kapila and died without salvation.
Moved by Bhagiratha’s devotion, Lord Brahma agreed to release Ganga to Earth. However, her powerful flow threatened to flood and destroy the world. To soften her descent, Lord Brahma advised Bhagiratha to worship Lord Shiva, who agreed to bear her fall on his matted locks. Shiva caught the mighty river in his hair and released it as seven streams, including the Bhagirathi, which followed Bhagiratha to the ashes of his ancestors. Upon contact, their souls were liberated.
Thus, Ganga Dusshera celebrates the divine descent of the river that purifies and liberates.
🙏 Religious Importance
Ganga Dusshera is not just a festival but a spiritual opportunity. It is believed that:
- Bathing in the Ganga on this day cleanses ten types of sins (dasha paap), hence the name Dusshera (dasha = ten, hara = destroy).
- Donating on this day yields tenfold merits.
- Devotees worship the Ganga with flowers, lamps, and offerings, seeking her blessings for spiritual purity, health, and salvation.
- Thousands gather at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, and Prayagraj to take a dip in the sacred waters.
🏞️ Celebrations Across India
- Haridwar and Rishikesh witness grand processions and aartis.
- Varanasi holds special Ganga Aarti ceremonies with chants and lamp floating rituals.
- In Prayagraj, devotees offer prayers at the Triveni Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati).
- Fairs, cultural programs, and spiritual discourses are organized in Ganga basin regions.
🧘♀️ Powerful Ganga Mantras
1. Ganga Stotram by Adi Shankaracharya
Devi Sureshvari Bhagavati Gange
Tribhuvana Tarini Tarala Tarange
Shankara Mauli Vihari Ni Vare
Nikhila Paapahari Pavana Rupa
Meaning:
O Goddess Ganga, divine mother of the gods, who flows swiftly and gracefully, residing in Lord Shiva’s hair—destroy all my sins and purify my soul.
2. Simple Ganga Dhyana Mantra
Om Namo Gangaayai Namah
Meaning:
Salutations to the sacred Ganga, embodiment of purity and liberation.
3. Popular Chant for Ganga Bath
Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Glaum Gangeyai Namah
This mantra is often chanted while taking a holy dip, invoking her energy for spiritual cleansing.
🌺 Conclusion
Ganga Dusshera is not just about rituals—it is a time for inner purification, reflection, and gratitude to Mother Nature. In a world grappling with ecological imbalance, reverence for rivers like the Ganga is more relevant than ever.
On this sacred occasion, whether by the river or in your heart, honor Ganga with devotion and seek her divine grace.