The story of Ganga Dussehra is deeply connected with King Bhagirath and his great devotion.
According to Hindu scriptures, King Sagara’s sixty thousand sons were reduced to ashes due to the anger of Sage Kapila. Their souls could not attain peace or liberation. Many generations later, King Bhagirath performed intense penance to bring Maa Ganga from heaven to earth so that her sacred waters could purify the souls of his ancestors.
Pleased by his devotion, Bhagwan Brahma allowed Ganga to descend. But her force was so powerful that it could have destroyed the Earth. To protect the world, Bhagwan Shiv caught Maa Ganga in his matted locks and gently released her flow to earth.
As Maa Ganga followed Bhagirath, her sacred waters touched the ashes of King Sagara’s sons and granted them Moksha. Since then, Ganga has been worshipped as the river of purity, forgiveness, and liberation.
How Devotees Celebrate Ganga Dussehra?
In India, Ganga Dussehra is an important festival that’s celebrated with great devotion and affection, especially in cities like Haridwar and Varanasi. From early morning, people start gathering at ghats such as Har Ki Pauri and Dashashwamedh Ghat to cleanse their mind and soul by taking a holy dip. They chant “Har Har Gange” and offer flowers, diyas, and prayers to the sacred river.
Many devotees donate food, clothes, water, fruits, and other essentials to the needy. Meanwhile, some observe a sattvic fast and spend the day in prayer and spiritual reflection.
If you also wish to seek the blessings of Maa Ganga on this sacred occasion but are unable to visit the holy ghats, you can still express your devotion through the spiritual Sevas and offerings arranged by Sanatan Sansaar during Ganga Dussehra.
Ganga Dussehra Puja Vidhi at Home
All devotees who cannot visit ghats can worship Maa Ganga at home by following these simple steps:
- Add a few drops of Ganga Jal to the water and take a bath.
- Clean the puja area and light a diya.
- Place an image or idol of Maa Ganga.
- Chant “Om Gangayai Namah,” “Har Har Gange,” or “Om Hili Hili Mili Mili Ganga Devi Namah” while offering flowers, fruits, incense, and sweets.
- Pray for purity, peace, and prosperity for every member of the family.
- End the puja with aarti and charity.