Ganga Dussehra is one of the Hindu festivals that celebrates the descent of the sacred river Ganges on Earth. This festival holds spiritual significance as it celebrates the descent of the holy river Ganges to Earth. This occurred to purify and liberate mankind from the sins. The benefits include spiritual purification through rituals like bathing in the Ganges, which is believed to cleanse one’s karma and grant moksha (heaven). Devotees seek blessings for prosperity, health, and fulfillment of desires by offering prayers and performing Vrat (fasting). Hence, this blog discusses the various Vrat katha of women during Ganga Dussehra
Introduction To Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra is the day when the river Ganges is believed to have descended from heaven to Earth. According to Hindu scriptures, King Bhagiratha performed rigorous penance to bring the river Ganga down to Earth and cleanse the ashes of his ancestors, thereby giving them moksha.
Various Vrat Kathas Associated with Ganga Dussehra
Goddess Ganga’s Benevolence
Once, a woman named Ananga performed Vrat with utmost devotion during Ganga Dussehra. Maa Ganaga was impressed by her sincerity and appeared before her to grant her wishes for a child and prosperity.
Ganga Avatara Of Vishnu Purana
According to the Vishnu Purana, Ganga is considered an avatar (incarnation) of the goddess Vishnu, who descended to Earth to purify humanity’s sins. Women observing Vrat during Ganga Dussehra narrate this katha to emphasize Ganga’s purifying and liberating power, symbolizing the divine grace that absolves sins and bestows spiritual purity.
Ganga Dussehra 2024:
This year’s Ganga Dussehra festival will be celebrated on the Dashami Tithi of Shukla Paksha which is on June 16, 2024. The Dashami Tithi starts from June 16th at 02.32 AM to June 17th at 04.43 AM.
Fasting Rituals On Ganga Dussehra:
On the day of Ganga Dussehra, the devotees are meant to fast from water and food for ten hours straight to seek the blessings of Maa Ganga. During this time devotees are asked to meditate and chant prayers dedicated to Maa Ganga. The fast broke by having the prasad or offerings.
Puja Rituals On Ganga Dussehra:
On Ganga Dussehra, it’s important to bathe in the sacred Ganges. If you can’t do this, mix Ganges water with regular water and bathe at home during Brahma Muhurta. While bathing, chant, “Om Namo Gangayai Vishwaroopini Narayani Namo Namah.” Also, offer tarpan (libations) to ancestors by the riverside to honor and give peace to their souls.
During the puja, devotees should offer ten things that are favorites of Goddess Ganga. It is also to be noted that while offering Maa Ganga, it is important to include flowers and leaf boats that are lit and filled with milk. Also, devotees offer jaggery, white sweets, and honey for Lord Shiva to end the difficulties in life and seek his divine blessings.
Ganga Dussehra Celebration:
Haridwar, Garhmukteshwar, Varanasi, Allahabad, Rishikesh, and Patna are the main places where people celebrate in great honor as it is the place where the river flows. They gather on the banks of the Ganges and perform aartis. Dipping in the river today is believed to purify and heal physical ailments. In Sanskrit, “dasha” means ten and “hara” means destroy, so bathing during these ten days is believed to cleanse ten sins or ten lifetimes of sins.
On the same day, the river Yamuna is also worshiped and kite-flying events are held. Devotees bathe in the Yamuna at places like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Bateshwar, and offer watermelon and cucumber. They share drinks like lassi, sharbat, and shikanji.
Ganga Dussehra is a festival that celebrates the descent of the river Ganges and holds spiritual significance in Hindu culture. The festival is about observing Vrat and narrating kathas that symbolize devotion, determination, and the grace of the Goddess Ganga. This Vrat kathas not only reinforces the importance of fasting and prayer but also shows the transformative power of faith and piety. As devotees gather to celebrate Ganga Dussehra, some may not be able to attend the celebration and we at Ghar Mandir facilitate participation in the blessings through our online puja booking services. We ensure that individuals can partake in the spiritual benefits of the festival regardless of limitations, thereby enriching their religious experiences.