Ganga Dussehra
festivalsQuick Overview
- Date in 2026
- Monday, May 25, 2026
- Tithi
- Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami (Purnimanta)
- Tithi begins / ends
- 04:31 AM, May 25 to 05:11 AM, May 26
- Lunar month
- Jyeshtha · Shukla Paksha
Ganga Dussehra
Monday, May 25, 2026
Lunar Month: Jyeshtha
Ganga Dussehra at a Glance
Ganga Dussehra is fixed by the lunar calendar to Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami, the 10th tithi of the waxing (Shukla) fortnight of Jyeshtha.
- Tithi rule
- Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami (Purnimanta)Shukla DashamiJyeshtha month
- Tithi swami and group
- Yama · Purna Tithi
Panchanga on This Day
Ganga Dussehra · May 25, 2026
About Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra, also called Gangavataran, celebrates the legendary descent of the sacred river Ganga from the heavens to the earth. It is observed on the Dashami (tenth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the Jyeshtha month, usually falling in May or June. The festival is especially prominent in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.
According to Hindu belief, the mighty river Ganga was brought down by the penance of King Bhagiratha to purify the ashes of his ancestors. Lord Shiva caught her in His matted locks to soften her descent, and she flowed to earth as a life-giving stream. Ganga Dussehra therefore represents purification, grace, and the fulfilment of filial duty.
The celebrations last for ten days, with devotees bathing in the Ganges, offering floating lamps, and worshipping the river as Goddess Ganga. The day is considered so spiritually potent that taking a single dip in the Ganges is believed to wash away sins and bestow liberation.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Ganga Dussehra is observed by holy bathing, Ganga Puja, floating lamps, and acts of charity.
- Rise early and proceed to a Ganges ghat or any clean water body for a holy bath before sunrise.
- Perform Ganga Puja with flowers, incense, sandalwood paste, and a ghee lamp while chanting 'Om Namo Gangayai Vishwa Shantayai'.
- Float small diyas or leaf boats with flowers and a wick in the river as an offering to Goddess Ganga.
- Recite the Ganga Chalisa, Ganga Stotram, or the relevant verses from the Ramayana and Bhagavatam.
- Donate food, clothes, umbrellas, and shoes to pilgrims and the poor.
- Break any fast after the midday puja and partake of satvik prasad with family.
Vrat Katha: Bhagiratha Brings Ganga to Earth
King Sagara's sons disturbed the sage Kapila during his meditation, and their ashes were scattered by the sage's fiery gaze. Their descendant, King Bhagiratha, vowed to bring the river Ganga from heaven to purify their souls.
Bhagiratha performed severe penance for thousands of years. Pleased by his determination, Brahma agreed to send Ganga down, but the force of her fall would have destroyed the earth.
Bhagiratha then prayed to Lord Shiva, who caught the descending river in His matted locks and released her gently onto the earth. She followed Bhagiratha's chariot across the plains and reached the ocean, where she purified the ashes of the Sagara princes.
This descent is celebrated as Ganga Dussehra, and the river's earthly manifestation is honoured as the divine Mother Ganga.
Ganga Dussehra: Frequently Asked Questions
Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami; its swami is Yama, a Purna Tithi.
Shukla Dashami: 04:31 AM, Mon, May 25, 2026 to 05:11 AM, Tue, May 26, 2026 (IST).
Here, 'Dussehra' refers to the tenth (dashami) day of Jyeshtha Shukla, marking the anniversary of Ganga's descent.
The greatest celebrations occur on the Ganges ghats, but devotees far away can perform Ganga Puja with Ganges water at home.
Festivals in the Same Lunar Month
Jyeshtha
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
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