Ganga is said to be the most sacred river in Hindu religion. It is believed that the sins of those who take a dip in it are destroyed. That is why Ganga is also called Papanaashni and Mokshadayani. A very important festival related to this river is 'Ganga Dussehra'. It is celebrated every year on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month. Ganga Dussehra, also known as Gangavataran, is a Hindu festival celebrating the avatarana of the Ganges. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed by Hindus that the holy river Ganges descended from heaven to earth on this day.
Ganga Dassehra 2021: When is Ganga Dussehra?
This time Ganga Dussehra is falling on 20th June (Sunday). According to the Panchang, the tenth day of Jyeshtha will start from 6.50 pm on 19th June and will end on 20th June at 4.25 pm. However, Ganga Dussehra will be celebrated on this day due to Udaya Tithi being on June 20. It is believed that one should take a bath in the Ganga on this day. By doing this, the sins of the person are erased. There is also a tradition of charity after bathing in the Ganges.
Ganga Dassehra 2021: Why is Ganga Dussehra celebrated?
The legend has it that the holy Ganges only flowed in the heaven and was brought down to Earth in the form of a Goddess to purify the ashes of King Bhagiratha's ancestors. According to the beliefs, King Bhagirath did a very long and hard penance for the salvation of his ancestors. He wanted to free the ancestors from the cycle of life and death. Lord Vishnu was pleased with his penance and in turn asked Bhagiratha to seek Lord Shiva's help to allow Ganga to fall on his head before it hit the Earth. Shiva agreed to take the heavy weight, and the holy river then touched the ashes of the 60,000 princes and fertilised the entire region. Since then, Ganga Dusserha is celebrated to commemorate the holy river.