In Hindu tradition, the festival of Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with fervour. According to ancient beliefs, it was on this sacred day that Mother Ganga descended
from heaven to earth. Observed on the Dashami of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha, this festival is just not about spiritual cleansing. It also provides freedom from 10 kinds of sins. Snan (ritual bathing) in holy rivers and daan (giving to charity) on this day is believed to bring special blessings. "Dussehra signifies ten auspicious Vedic calculations which show Ganga’s power to scrub ten sins associated with the thoughts, actions, and speech. The offering of prayer allows one to achieve salvation. It is a favorable day for purchasing valuable items, new vehicles, or new property. Reciting Ganga Stotra today while standing within the Ganges can remove all the sins," states the website of ISKCON Dwarka.
Date and auspicious timing of Ganga Dussehra 2026
Ganga Dussehra will be observed on 25 May.Dashami Tithi Begins - 04:30 AM on May 25, 2026
Dashami Tithi Ends - 05:10 AM on May 26, 2026
Hasta Nakshatra Begins - 04:08 AM on May 26, 2026
Hasta Nakshatra Ends - 05:56 AM on May 27, 2026
Vyatipata Yoga Begins - 03:11 AM on May 27, 2026
Vyatipata Yoga Ends - 03:25 AM on May 28, 2026
Spiritual importance of snan
On Ganga Dussehra, the ritual of Dashvidh Snan (10 ingredient bath) is important. A dip in the sacred Ganga on this day washes away sins. If visiting the Ganga is not possible, bathing at home with a few drops of Gangajal added to the water is also considered meritorious.
Rituals for daan
The number 10 carries great significance on Ganga Dussehra. Devotees either give to 10 Brahmins or donate 10 different items. A devotee can donate items such as water, grains, fruits, clothing, puja samagri (items), ghee, salt, oil, sugar, and gold. It is important to give with a selfless and sincere intention.
Donations that provide relief in the summer
The festival falls during the peak of summers, and it's suggested that one should offer cooling and refreshing items.
- Earthen pot: Donating a clay pot filled with water is regarded as highly beneficial.
- Sattu and jaggery: Offering water to the thirsty and donating sattu is believed to satisfy one’s ancestors as well.
- Umbrella and hand fan: Giving an umbrella or a hand fan to help someone cope with the heat is also part of the tradition.
Simple practices for prosperity and well-being
- Ganga Aarti: In the evening, light a lamp by a riverbank or in your home temple.
- Observing silence: While bathing, maintain silence and chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivayai Narayanyai Dashaharyai Gangayai Namah.”
- Offering Arghya: Offer water mixed with Gangajal to the Sun God, which is believed to support success in one’s career.
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
