INVC NEWS
Varanasi, Haridwar – : Ganga Dussehra is a significant festival celebrated every year on the Dashami date of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyestha. It holds great importance among Hindus as it commemorates the descent of Mother Ganga onto Earth. The festival involves various rituals and customs, including bathing in the holy river Ganga, fasting, and making donations. Let’s delve deeper into the significance of Ganga Dussehra, the auspicious time to observe it, and the customs associated with this sacred occasion.
Mythological Significance
According to ancient legends, Ganga Dussehra is closely associated with the descent of the sacred river Ganga from the heavens to Earth. It is believed that on this day, Mother Ganga flowed down from Lord Shiva’s hair, and her descent onto Earth brought immense purity and spirituality to the planet. Lord Shiva is anointed in all Ganga temples during Ganga Dussehra, and devotees worship Mokshadayini Ganga, seeking her blessings and forgiveness for their sins.
Date and Observance
In the year 2023, Ganga Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, 30th May. The festival will coincide with Hasta Nakshatra and Vyatipat Yoga, which add to its auspiciousness. As per scriptures, Jyestha Shukla Dashami is known as Dussehra, and it holds special significance for bathing, donations, and fasting. Ganga’s descent from heaven to Earth is considered a highly virtuous occasion, and people partake in special worship at Ganga temples to honor this sacred event. The usage of Gangajal, the holy water of the Ganges, holds immense sanctity and finds extensive application in various religious ceremonies.
Rituals and Customs
Ganga Dussehra revolves around several rituals and customs that devotees follow with utmost devotion. One of the key practices is taking a holy bath in the river Ganga. It is believed that a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges on this day can absolve one of all their sins and purify their soul. The river Ganga is considered to possess immense spiritual power, and by immersing oneself in its waters, devotees seek blessings, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
During Ganga Dussehra, devotees also engage in the worship of Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the custodian of the Ganges. They offer prayers, perform aarti (a ritual of worship with lamps), and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for spiritual growth and enlightenment. The celebration extends to various Ganga temples, where elaborate rituals are conducted to honor the divine river.
Festivities and Celebrations
The festivities surrounding Ganga Dussehra are marked by a sense of joy and devotion. Devotees from different parts of the country visit the holy towns situated along the banks of the Ganges, such as Varanasi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh, to participate in the celebrations. Ganga temples become the focal points of devotion, with priests performing elaborate rituals and devotees offering their prayers and seeking blessings.
Gangajal, the water from the Ganges, is considered extremely sacred and is used in various religious ceremonies and rituals. Many people collect Gangajal during Ganga Dussehra and preserve it for its purifying properties. It is believed to carry the divine energy and blessings of Mother Ganga, and people use it for personal and religious purposes throughout the year.
Ganga Jayanti and Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Jayanti and Ganga Dussehra are two significant events associated with the river Ganga. While Ganga Dussehra marks the descent of Mother Ganga onto Earth, Ganga Jayanti celebrates her re-emergence on Earth. Ganga Jayanti is observed on the seventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Vaishakha. Both occasions hold immense religious and spiritual significance, and devotees participate in various rituals to honor the divine river and seek her blessings.
Pooja Timings
The Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami Tithi, which is the main day of Ganga Dussehra, begins on Monday, 29th May 2023, at 11:49 am and ends on Tuesday, 30th May 2023, at 01:07 pm. These timings are considered auspicious for performing the rituals and observing the fast associated with this festival.
The Power of Ganga
The Ganges is considered one of the most sacred rivers in Hindu mythology. It is believed to possess the power to cleanse sins and bestow divine blessings. Taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga is considered a transformative experience, purifying not just the body but also the mind and soul. The river is revered as a source of spiritual awakening and liberation, and millions of devotees seek its blessings and divine grace during Ganga Dussehra.
Donations and Charitable Acts
Ganga Dussehra is a time for selflessness and charity. Devotees believe that making donations on this auspicious day brings immense blessings and spiritual merit. While bathing in the Ganges is considered the most beneficial act, there is no limit to the kind of charity one can perform. Donating food, clothes, or even conducting ceremonies like kanyadaan (the ritual of giving away a daughter in marriage) are considered virtuous acts. The emphasis lies on selfless giving and serving others, thereby expressing gratitude and compassion towards fellow beings.
In conclusion, Ganga Dussehra is a significant festival that celebrates the descent of Mother Ganga onto Earth. It holds immense religious and spiritual importance for Hindus across the country. The festival involves various rituals such as bathing in the Ganges, worshiping Lord Shiva, and making donations. It is a time of joy, devotion, and seeking blessings for spiritual growth and purification. Ganga Dussehra serves as a reminder of the divine grace and power of the holy river Ganga, which continues to inspire millions with its sacredness and purity.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Is Ganga Dussehra celebrated only in specific regions of India? Ganga Dussehra is celebrated across India, but it holds special significance in places situated along the banks of the Ganges, such as Varanasi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.
2. Can non-Hindus participate in Ganga Dussehra celebrations? Yes, people of all religions are welcome to participate in the festivities and rituals of Ganga Dussehra. The festival promotes unity, devotion, and spiritual growth, which are universal values.
3. Can I collect Gangajal from the Ganges during Ganga Dussehra? Yes, many devotees collect Gangajal during Ganga Dussehra as it is believed to carry the divine energy and blessings of Mother Ganga. However, it is important to respect the river and its ecosystem while doing so.
4. What are the benefits of donating on Ganga Dussehra? Donating on Ganga Dussehra is considered a virtuous act that brings blessings and spiritual merit. It promotes selflessness, compassion, and the spirit of giving, thereby fostering a sense of gratitude and service towards others.
5. How can I make the most of Ganga Dussehra as a spiritual seeker? To make the most of Ganga Dussehra, you can participate in the rituals, take a holy bath in the Ganges, and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance. Engage in self-reflection, seek inner purification, and express gratitude for the divine blessings that flow through the sacred river Ganga.
