Ganga Dussehra

According to scripture and legends, the holy river Ganga originated at Lord Vishnu's lotus feet in Vaikuntha before traveling to reside in Brahma's Kamandalu for thousands of years. It was King Bhagirath's life-long penances that finally brought the sacred Ganges to descend on Earth.

Across India's temples and ghats, Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with great pomp. Devotees take a sacred dip in the holy river to wash away sins, conduct elaborate Ganga Pujas, and donate generously to charity and light rows of diyas along the ghats at sunset.

Key practices observed on this day include completely avoiding non-vegetarian fare, donating food/essentials to the needy, engaging in mantra japa by reciting hymns like the Ganga Ashtakam or Stutis, and of course, taking the coveted Ganga Snan.

Revering the divine Ganga on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra by bathing in her waters is said to cleanse all past sins, remove doshams or obstacles, fulfill desires and wishes, and ultimately grant the highest benediction of moksha or liberation.

"Om Gange Cha Yamune Chaiv Godaavari Sarasvati, Narmade Sindhu Kaaveri Jale'asmin Sannidhim Kuru"

Mark those calendars and get ready to immerse yourselves in the divine, sin-cleansing waters as you honor Ganga's descent on this holy occasion falling on June 16th, 2024!

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