Ganga Dussehra is the day to worship the Mother Ganga the holy river of Hindu religion in India. It is celebrated in the month of June, called as Jyeshta as per the Hindu calendar.This festival is celebrated on Jeyshta Masa's Dashmi Tithi.
Ganga is considered as the most holy and sacred rivers in India. This river is worshipped, with a belief that Goddess Ganga can wash away all sins of mankind.The name Dussehra comes from 'Dus' which means ten and 'Hara' which connotes defeat. This 10-day celebration takes place to commemorate Ganga's descent to earth, known as Gangavataran.
The river Ganga holds a uniquely significant place in Indian life and consciousness. It rises at Gangotri, high in the snow-clad Himalayas. Cascading down mighty boulders, it flows into the hot plains of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and finally meets the waters of the sea in the Bay of Bengal. At Allahabad, the Ganga merges with the river Yamuna and the mythical river Saraswati. The confluence of these rivers, known as Prayag, is considered one of the most sacred spots on earth.
In Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal, this festival is most famous among the people. They will light thousands of lamps in the flowing water of Ganga. It is the sign of peace and goodness. People performed fasts during that time of Ganga Dussehra in India. Haridwar, Prayag and Varanasi are the most famous for Ganga Dussehra to celebrate as holistic festival of India. This is the time to worship this deity of Ganga with a great joy and moments of religious life of people.
In Haridwar, at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the Ganga reaches the plains, aratis are performed each evening.
Ganga's water is considered to be very sacred and is used by everyone for all Hindu rituals. Every Hindu would have a bottle or can of Ganga Jal, water of the river Ganga, in order to commence any hindu rituals at home.
Ganga Dussehra festival is a day of devotion and faith. If a person cannot bathe in Ganga, Ardhaya should be performed near the river, and then Tarpan and Tilodak. As the evening arrives, devotees start offering leaf boats with flames, sweet and flowers to the river. The pilgrims are seen all mesmerized with the shlokas, bhajans, kirtans and sound of bells during the aarti. This is a purely soothing spiritual experience.
Unusual images of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balaram and sister Subhadra who are ceremonially pulled in the grand chariots at Puri.
Big fairs are also organized in various parts of India. Varanasi, Haridwar, Mathura and Allahabad are the major attractions during this time.
2016 Date : 14th June, Tuesday.
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