When is Ganga Dussehra 2025? Perform Snan and Daan During This Auspicious Time to Receive Ancestors' Blessings

For Hindus, Ganga river, lovingly called Maa Ganga is sacred. Ganga Dussehra is an extremely significant festival in Hinduism, celebrated in honour of the sanctity and importance of the River Ganga. According to Drik Panchang, "Ganga Dussehra falls during Dashami Tithi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha and currently falls in month of May or June. Ganga Dussehra is also known as Gangavataran which means the descent of the Ganga."

This year, the festival of Ganga Dussehra will be celebrated on 5th June. On this day, it's a tradition for Hindus to take a dip in Ganga river, which is known as snan.

Dashami Tithi Begins: 4th June at 11:54 PM

Dashami Tithi Ends: 6th June at 2:15 AM

According to the lunar calendar, Ganga Dussehra will be celebrated on 5th June 2025.

Siddhi Yoga: Until 9:14 AM

A combination of Ravi Yoga and Hasta Nakshatra will also occur, enhancing the spiritual significance and auspiciousness of the day.

Taitila Karana: Until 1:02 PM

Gara Karana: Until 2:15 AM (late night)

Bathing and donating during this period is considered especially beneficial.

There is both mythological and religious significance behind the tradition of bathing in the Ganga on Ganga Dussehra. According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagirath performed intense penance to bring the River Ganga to earth. Pleased with his devotion, Maa Ganga descended from heaven to earth. Upon her arrival, King Bhagirath bathed in the Ganga and helped his ancestors attain salvation. Since then, the Ganga has been regarded as a sacred and liberating river.

According to the scriptures, bathing in the Ganga cleanses one of all sins, defects, ailments, and calamities. Particularly on Ganga Dussehra, bathing in the river is said to free a person from ten major sins that obstruct spiritual progress. According to Drik Panchang, "On Ganga Dussehra devotees worship Goddess Ganga and take bath in Ganges. Taking bath in Ganges and offering charity or Dan-Punya on Ganga Dussehra day is considered highly auspicious. It is believed that holy dip in Ganges on Ganga Dussehra day can purge all type of sins."

Apart from bathing in the Ganga, the practices of worship, chanting, penance, and charity hold special importance on Ganga Dussehra. After bathing, one should worship Maa Ganga. Worship of Lord Shiva is also especially important, as it is believed that the Ganga descended to earth with his blessing. Donating on Ganga Dussehra is said to yield great merit and invite blessings of happiness and prosperity into one’s life.

On Ganga Dussehra, making donations and charity in the name of one’s ancestors is believed to bring their blessings and maintain peace and harmony in the family. Items such as clothing, food, or other essentials may be donated in their honour.