When is Ganga Dussehra 2024? Date, Time and  Muhurat, Significance- Know All

Dehradun:As the month of Jyeshtha illuminates the Hindu calendar, a wave of devotion sweeps across the nation with the arrival of Ganga Dussehra. 

Worship of the Ganges is considered infallible in the month of Jyeshtha, as it is believed that Goddess Ganga descended to Earth on the tenth day of the waxing moon phase in Jyeshtha. This day is celebrated as Ganga Dussehra. On Ganga Dussehra, bathing in the Ganges and using Ganga water in worship is believed to grant salvation. Let’s check the date, puja muhurat, and significance of Ganga Dussehra 2024.

Dussehra 2024: Muhurat

This year, the auspicious festival falls on Sunday, June 16, 2024, marking the celestial descent of Goddess Ganga to Earth.

Divine Timings: The Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in Jyeshtha begins at 2:32 AM on June 16 and concludes at 4:43 AM on June 17. Devotees are encouraged to partake in the holy baths during the Brahma Muhurat from 7:08 AM to 10:37 AM on June 16.

Significance of the Sacred Dip: Believers hold that a dip in the Ganges on Ganga Dussehra can absolve one of ten types of serious sins, offering a path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Puja Vidhi: The rituals commence with meditation during the Brahma Muhurat, followed by a purifying bath. Offerings to the Sun God include a mixture of water, Ganga water, rice, and flowers in a copper vessel. The day is further sanctified by the enchanting Ganga Aarti and recitation of powerful mantras.

A Historical Perspective: The festival commemorates King Bhagirath’s penance, which led to Lord Shiva’s intervention in guiding the Ganges’ descent, providing salvation to his ancestors

The rituals associated with Ganga Dussehra are deeply rooted in devotion and tradition. Here’s a summary of the key rituals:

• Holy Dip: Devotees wake up early and take a sacred bath in the river Ganges, if possible. This act is believed to purify the soul and wash away sins.
• Arghya Offering: After the holy dip, worshippers offer ‘Arghya’ to the Sun God, usually consisting of water, flowers, and sometimes rice, in a copper vessel.
• Puja and Mantras: Clean clothes are donned post-bath, and a special puja is performed. Incense sticks and flowers are offered to the deity, and holy mantras dedicated to Goddess Ganga and the Sun God are chanted.
• Charity: Giving alms and donations, such as food, clothing, and essentials, is considered meritorious and an integral part of the festival.
• Leaf Boats: Devotees also float leaf boats containing a ‘diya’ (lamp), sweets, and flowers on the river as offerings to Goddess Ganga.

These rituals symbolize spiritual cleansing, gratitude, and reverence towards the life-giving waters of the Ganges.

Ganga Dussehra: Katha

According to mythology, King Bhagirath’s penance pleased Lord Brahma, who granted him a boon. Bhagirath requested that Goddess Ganga be sent to Earth. Brahma warned that Ganga’s force and weight would be too much for Earth to bear, potentially causing destruction. Therefore, Lord Shiva was approached to handle Ganga’s descent. Lord Shiva accepted the request and released Ganga from one of his locks, allowing her to flow from the Himalayas to Earth on Ganga Dussehra.