Ganga Dussehra 2026 Date and Time: Why should devotees take a dip in Ganga? Check puja rituals, Vidhi, significance and more

Ganga Dussehra is celebrated every year in Jayestha month in the Shukla Paksha on Dashmi. This year, it falls on Monday, 25th May 2026. One of the most important festivals of the Hindu religion, Ganga Dusshera is observed to celebrate Goddess Ganga's birth anniversary, when she descended from heaven to earth.

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga came to Earth on this day after King Bhagirath performed intense penance for thousands of years, following the advice of his guru, Triphala. Before descending to Earth, River Ganga was believed to reside in Lord Brahma’s kamandal (sacred pot). Her arrival on Earth, also known as Ganga Avataran, is celebrated as Ganga Dussehra every year.

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Ganga Dussehra 2026 Date and Time

Date: May 25, 2026 (Monday)

Dashami Tithi Begins at 04:30 a.m. on Monday, 25th May 2026.

Dashami Tithi Ends at 05:10 a.m. on Tuesday, 26th May 2026.

Hasta Nakshatra Begins at 04:08 a.m. on Tuesday, 26th May 2026.

Hasta Nakshatra Ends at 05:56 a.m. on Wednesday, 27th May 2026.

Vyatipata Yoga Starts at 03:11 a.m. on Wednesday 27th May 2026.

Vyatipata Yoga Ends at 03:25 a.m. on Thursday, 28th May 2026.

Ganga Dusshera is very significant both religiously and spiritually and people engage in spiritual and religious practices on this sacred day.

Ganga Dusshera 2026: Check significance

Festival of Ganga Dussehra is celebrated in parts of North India and it is believed that taking a holy dip in the sacred river (Ganga) helps you get rid of all the sins. It is believed that the holy water of the Ganga cleanses the body, mind, and soul while washing away negativity and past sins. Many people also perform puja, offer food, light diyas, and take part in charitable activities, as donations made on this day are considered highly auspicious.

For devotees, Goddess Ganga is not just a river but a divine mother who blesses her followers with peace, purity, and spiritual strength. It is widely believed that bathing in the Ganga on Ganga Dussehra brings prosperity, happiness, and divine blessings.

Ganga Dusshera Puja Rituals

Before sunrise, people take a sacred dip in the Ganga River and chant: "Om Namah: Shivaayai Narayanyai Dussehraayai Gangayai Namah"

After this mantra, one should offer at least five flowers (Pushp) and while offering flowers the following mantra: "Un Namo Bhagwate Hri Shree Hili Hili Mili Mili Gange Maa Pavay Pavay Swaha", should be chanted.

On the auspicious day, devotees offer prayers and Arghya to the rising sun and take a minimum of 10 dips in the Ganges. A minimum of 3 dips should be taken.

Light a diya and present Goddess Ganga with flowers and sweets. You can also present sarees or dupattas to Goddess Ganga.

On Ganga Dusshera, people donate food, clothes and other useful items among the needy ones and it us regarded as extremely fulfilling. In the evening, devotees take part in Ganga aarti.