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According to the Hindu calendar, Ganga Dussehra takes place on the tenth day (Dashami Tithi) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha), in the month of Jyeshtha. Another name for Ganga Dussehra is Gangavataran, which translates to "the descent of Ganga." Ganga Dussehra is usually observed one day ahead of Nirjala Ekadashi. However, Nirjala Ekadashi and Ganga Dussehra might occasionally coincide on the same day. This year, Ganga Dussehra is being observed on 16th June 2024. 

Ganga Dussehra 2024: Date And Shubh Muhurat 

- Ganga Dussehra 2024 Date: 16th June 2024

- Dashami Tithi Begins: 05:02 PM on Jun 15, 2024

- Dashami Tithi Ends:  07:13 PM on Jun 16, 2024

- Hasta Nakshatra Begins: 10:44 PM on Jun 14, 2024

- Hasta Nakshatra Ends: 01:43 AM on Jun 16, 2024

- Vyatipata Yoga Begins: 09:38 AM on Jun 14, 2024

- Vyatipata Yoga Ends: 10:41 AM on Jun 15, 2024

Ganga Dussehra 2024: Significance Of This Sacred Day

The Goddess Ganga is honoured at the Ganga Dussehra festival, and it is believed that on this day, Ganga descended to Earth. In order to fulfil her goal of releasing the cursed spirits of Bhagirath's forefathers, goddess Ganga descended upon the earth. According to custom, Goddess Ganga resided in Lord Brahma's kamandal before to her arrival on Earth. Ganga conveyed the purity of heaven to Earth along with her descent.

Due to Bhagirath's extreme penance for which she is also known as Bhagirathi, the Ganga River is a gift to humanity. The Sagara dynasty was Bhagirath's lineage. He begged for life to come to earth through the Ganga River. But as it happened, it proved to be a devastating force. Lord Brahma therefore requested that Lord Shiva retain the locks in place. Ganges, as a result, lost its power and became into a serene river that supports life.

Ganga Dussehra marks the appearance day of River Ganga, also known as Bhagirathi. (Image Source: Canva)

Not only is the Ganges a holy river, but it also forms the core of India. Worshippers of this river hope for greater fortune. Thousands of diyas are lit in the Ganga River on the day of Ganga Dussehra in an effort to convey goodwill and harmony. India's most visited locations for the Ganga Dussehra celebrations are Haridwar, Prayag, and Varanasi. It starts in the snow-capped Himalayas in Gangotri, runs across the torrid plains of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and joins the Bay of Bengal. In Allahabad, the Ganges River joins the Saraswati and Yamuna rivers. The most sacred place in India is where these rivers converge at Prayag.

Ganga Dussehra 2024: Benefits Of Taking Dip In Ganga River On Ganga Dussehra 

One can achieve salvation by offering prayers and taking a dip in the Ganga River on this day. It's an auspicious day to buy exquisite stuff, new vehicles, or property. On this day, all sins can be washed away by reciting the Ganga Stotra while standing in the Ganges. On this day, it is said that bathing in the river may purify the devotee and cure any bodily illnesses he may be suffering from. Bathing in the river over these 10 days is said to cleanse a person of their ten sins, or alternately, their ten lives of misdeeds, as Dasha means ten and Hara means destroy in Sanskrit.

Ganga Dussehra 2024: Rituals Associated With Ganga Dussehra 

For meditation and holy baths, the majority of devotees travel to Prayag, Hrishikesh, Varanasi, and Haridwar. Pitru puja is performed by people in honour of their ancestors. At dusk, priests and devotees use leaf boats filled with flowers and flames to perform the aarti on the Ganges riverbank. It is necessary to have 10 of each item, such as fruits, flowers, or betel leaves, in order to worship the Ganges. One has to take ten dips in the bath.

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Those, who cannot go to take a holy dip in the Ganga River must take a bath with water infused with Ganga Jal at home. 



(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)