Ganga Dussehra 2024: Worship of the Ganges is considered infallible in the month of Jyeshtha, as it is believed that Goddess Ganga descended to Earth on the tenth day of the waxing moon phase in Jyeshtha. This day is celebrated as Ganga Dussehra. On Ganga Dussehra, bathing in the Ganges and using Ganga water in worship is believed to grant salvation. Let's check the date, puja muhurat, and significance of Ganga Dussehra 2024.
Ganga Dussehra 2024: Date
This year, Ganga Dussehra will be observed on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Bathing in the Ganges on this day is believed to cleanse ten types of serious sins and free a person from the cycle of birth and death.
Ganga Dussehra 2024: Muhurat
The Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha will begin at 2:32 AM on June 16, 2024, and will end at 4:43 AM on June 17, 2024.
- Hasta Nakshatra Begins: June 15, 2024, at 8:14 AM
- Hasta Nakshatra Ends: June 16, 2024, at 11:13 AM
- Vyatipat Yoga Begins: June 14, 2024, at 7:08 PM
- Vyatipat Yoga Ends: June 15, 2024, at 8:11 PM
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Ganga Dussehra: Significance
On the Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in Jyeshtha, Goddess Ganga descended from Shiva's locks to Earth during the Hasta Nakshatra, Vyatipat Yoga, Gar Karana, and Anand Yoga. Hence, rituals and auspicious activities performed in the Hasta Nakshatra are considered fruitful. Ganga Dussehra is a day for worshipping Ganga Mata, believed to grant salvation to ancestors, bless with sons and grandsons, and fulfill wishes. On this day, ten items—grains, water, fruits, clothes, items for married women, ghee, salt, oil, sugar, and gold—should be donated.
Ganga Dussehra: Puja Vidhi
- Bathing: It is customary to bathe in the sacred Ganges on Ganga Dussehra. If this is not possible, mix Ganga water with regular water and bathe at home during Brahma Muhurta.
- Mantra Chanting: Recite the mantra "Om Namo Gangayai Vishwaroopini Narayani Namo Namah" during the bath.
- Ancestor Worship: Offer tarpan (libations) to ancestors by the riverside to satisfy their souls.
- Donation: After the rituals, donate to a Brahmin or a needy person.
Ganga Dussehra: Katha
According to mythology, King Bhagirath's penance pleased Lord Brahma, who granted him a boon. Bhagirath requested that Goddess Ganga be sent to Earth. Brahma warned that Ganga's force and weight would be too much for Earth to bear, potentially causing destruction. Therefore, Lord Shiva was approached to handle Ganga's descent. Lord Shiva accepted the request and released Ganga from one of his locks, allowing her to flow from the Himalayas to Earth on Ganga Dussehra.