Ganga Dussehra, often called Gangavataran, is a Hindu festival that marks the day when King Bhagirath requested Goddess Ganga to descend on earth from heaven to cleanse his ancestors' deeds. So, in Hinduism, taking a dip in the Ganga is considered auspicious.
One of the major Hindu festivals, symbolizing devotion, purification, & divine grace, it celebrates the arrival of Ganga, carrying spiritual merit to devotees, where they express gratitude for its life-sustaining role by performing devotional rituals.
Ganga Dussehra falls on the 10th day of the waxing moon (close to Purnmasi) in Jyeshtha month. Its spiritual significance is linked with high solar energy and lunar balance, believed to amplify divine vibrations. Scientifically, this period marks the onset of pre-monsoon.
This festival is significant for both spiritual salvation and natural healing. Taking a dip in the Ganges on this day is said to cure physical diseases and absolve dasha-paap (the sins committed in unfavourable conditions).
Bathing in the River Ganga on 5th June’s Ganga Dussehra 2025 is said to yield the same benefits as taking a dip in the Mahakumbh Mela. The reason the festival is celebrated on a day that is deemed auspicious due to planetary duasha, promises increased blessings and positive outcomes.
The rituals majorly include bathing in the holy Ganges, offering flowers, lighting diyas, chanting Ganga Stotram, and donating as per your devotion, etc. Some keep fast and do deep-daan (offering diyas) on this day. Special Ganga Aarti is organised in cities like Varanasi and Haridwar.
It is celebrated in all the cities located along the Ganga, but especially Haridwar, Varanasi, Rishikesh, Prayagraj, and Patna. These sacred towns host grand Ganga Aartis, mass bathing rituals, spiritual discourses, and cultural programs. Varanasi’s Dashashwamedh Ghat, especially, glows with thousands of lamps.
If you live far from the Ganga, you can still celebrate Ganga Dussehra at home. Start by waking up early, taking a bath, and offering prayers to a picture or idol of Lord Shiva, sprinkle holy Ganga Jal all around your home to purify the space. Chant Ganga mantras or read Ganga Strotam, light a lamp, and donate accordingly.