Mumbai: Ganga Dussehra, a significant Hindu festival, falls on the tenth day (Dashami) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Jyeshtha month. This day honours the holy Ganges River’s descent from heaven to Earth. Hindus celebrate Ganga Dussehra with immense devotion, emphasising special worship and reverence for the sacred river.
Ganga Dussehra 2024 date and time
Ganga Dussehra is set to be celebrated on Sunday, June 16, 2024. This auspicious date is determined based on the rising of the Dashami Tithi during the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month, according to the Vedic Panchang.
Dashami Tithi Begins: June 16, 2024, at 2:32 AM
Dashami Tithi Ends: June 17, 2024, at 4:45 AM
Ganga Dussehra Celebration: June 16, 2024 (Sunday) – as per the sun rising time
Devotees traditionally observe Ganga Dussehra by taking a holy dip in the Ganges River. Here’s a breakdown of the most auspicious timings for this sacred bath:
Hast Nakshatra: This nakshatra (lunar mansion) prevails until 11:13 AM on June 16, 2024, coinciding with Ganga Dussehra.
Brahma Muhurat: Considered the most ideal time for sacred rituals, Brahma Muhurat falls between 4:03 AM and 4:45 AM on June 16, 2024.
Ganga Dussehra ritual
One of the most crucial aspects of Ganga Dussehra is bathing in the Ganges. Hindu tradition holds that those who bathe in the holy river on this auspicious day and follow it with worship and acts of charity are absolved of their sins and hardships. The belief extends to suggest that simply remembering, chanting the name of the Ganges, seeing the river itself, drinking its water, or even touching it brings immense spiritual benefit. The ancient scriptures, Matsya, Garuda, and Padma Puranas, further emphasise the profound cleansing power associated with bathing in the Ganges.
Significance of taking a dip in River Ganges
The scriptures mention specific categories of sins that can be washed away through Ganga Dussehra rituals, including bathing in the river and performing acts of charity. These include:
Physical Sins: Casting an evil eye, harbouring envy towards someone’s possessions, or stealing (theft) are considered physical sins. Bathing and worshipping in the Ganges on this day is believed to eradicate these transgressions.
Mental Sins: Constantly harbouring negative thoughts about others or speaking lies are considered mental sins. These can also be absolved through the purifying act of bathing in the Ganges.
Speech-Related Sins: Speaking falsehoods of any kind, as well as using harsh and unkind language, are believed to be cleansed through the sacred waters of the Ganges during Ganga Dussehra.
Alternatives to Ganga Snan on Ganga Dussehra
While bathing in the Ganges holds immense significance, those unable to visit the river during Ganga Dussehra are encouraged to participate in the spirit of the celebration. Remembering Mother Ganges and bathing in a nearby river, or even mixing Ganges water with their home bathing water, are considered alternative ways to partake in the ritual of spiritual purification.
Ganga Dussehra transcends mere rituals. It serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual renewal, offering a path to liberation from the burden of impurities and sins according to Hindu beliefs.
Ganga Dussehra, a sacred Hindu festival honouring the Ganges River, will be celebrated on June 16th, 2024! This article provides the Snan muhurat and traditional rituals for celebrating. Living far from the Ganges? Don’t worry, discover alternative ways to participate in this holy day from the comfort of your home. Learn about alternative rituals and how to celebrate Ganga Dussehra safely. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
