Haridwar is primarily linked with the existence of the revered River Ganges, India's heart, which is why a substantial number of days are devoted to worshipping this mystical river of the north. The awe-inspiring tales linked with its purity and glorious heritage evocate the rich Indian culture. A plunge into the Ganges represents a fresh beginning, leaving behind the chaos and muddle of life, which is why the Ganga Dussehra festival is celebrated, a festival in which devotees from all across the nation engage in social sacred ceremonies that are uniquely conducted during Ganga Dussehra.
The other name for this renowned festival is ‘Gangavataran’, where thousands of beautiful lamps are lit to signify harmony and peace. Dussehra signifies ten Vedic Calculations manifesting Ganga’s divine power to wash away all the sins Shukla Paksha, Jyeshtha Month, Hasta Nakshatra, Gar-Anand Yoga, Siddha Yoga, moon in Virgo, and sun in Taurus
History Of Ganga Dussehra
The sacred Ganges is significantly vital in Hindu Mythology. Devotees worship the river as a deity, and several mythological legends are associated with it.
The most important part of the story about the origin of the Ganga on Earth is mentioned in the magnificent Mahabharata. It is believed that King Bhagirath sent Ganga to earth to rescue the spirits of his forefathers from the curse of Saint Kapila. It is stated that Ganga warned Bhaghirath that restraining her mighty flow would be physically impossible and that he should appeal to Lord Shiva for help.
The creator, Brahma, blessed Ganga and released her out of his Kamandal, a sacred pot. And Ganga rushed with all her strength towards the desolate plain. Her flow was so powerful that Lord Shiva had to restrain the river's flow with his hair strands. This is the main reason why Ganga Dussehra is widely celebrated in India to honour the descent of this majestic river on earth straight from heaven.
While the River Ganges does not necessitate a holiday because it is perennial throughout the year, this Ganga Dussehra festival celebration is held to honour its significance in our lives all the time.
Major Attractions Of Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated magnificently in Uttrakhand on Amavasya or no-moon night with tremendous zeal and fervour for ten days, during which devotees from all over the nation assemble, indulging in the glorious aartis taking place at the ghats.
On this day, the devotees begin the ceremony with this enchanting-
“Ganga Cha Yamune Chaiva Godavari Saraswati
Narmada Sindhu Kaveri Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru”
1. Pujas and Bath Rituals
The festival has a glory of its own. Ganga Dussehra celebration and the ceremonies last for about ten days. Devotees from all over the country throng in large numbers at places where the holy waters flow in Haridwar, Varanasi, Garh-Mukhteshwar, Prayagraj, etc. These ten days witness various ceremonies where people participate in bath rituals and carry out Pujas near the banks of the river.
Also Read.History Of Ganga Sagar Mela
2. Huge Number of Devotees
It is overwhelming to witness the number of people thronging the ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar. It is pure contentment and can’t be found anywhere else. Since early morning, people can be seen taking a dip in the Holy waters of the River Ganges.
3. Donations
So many rituals are involved in this festival that makes you feel happy, content, and at peace. Ganga Chalisa is chanted, and people participate in Vedic pooja in a Lord Shiva Temple, wearing Gangaajal locket and visiting Varanasi to witness Ganga Aarti.
4. Other Rituals
The city of Haridwar does not have an airport. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest one that is well-connected to various cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore. From there, you have to take a taxi/cab to reach the location.
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Places in India where Ganga Dussehra is Celebrated with Full Zeal and Fervour
Ganga Gangavatara or Jeth ka Dussehra is the most prominent festival celebrated on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha according to Hindu Calendar in May-June. This ceremony also pays tribute to the Ganga, which has deep historical significance. The pristine and sacred Ganga water is sprinkled in all religious poojas. Ganga Dussehra festival in Uttarakhand is the most renowned in the entire country. The major location for the event, however, is Haridwar. Here is how you can reach there.
How To Reach Haridwar
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated at 4 places in India - Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and West Bengal. The major location for the event, however, is Haridwar. Here is how you can reach there.
- Nearest Airport. Jolly Grant Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Dehradun Railway station
- Nearest City. Roorkee
- Distance From Roorkee. 53 km
By Air
The city of Haridwar does not have an airport. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest one that is well-connected to various cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore. From there, you have to take a taxi/cab to reach the location.
- Distance From Jolly Grant Airport.177 km
By Train
Haridwar is well-connected through trains. The main railway station serving the area is Haridwar Railway Station. It comes under the Northern Railway Zone, and it is connected to major cities and tourist destinations in India, such as Delhi, Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Ahmedabad, etc.
- Distance From Dehradun Railway Station. 52 km
By Road
Haridwar is well-connected to many cities across India through many highways. And if you live nearby, you can also book a bus, and hire a cab or taxi.
- Distance from Roorkee. 30 km
- Distance from Dehradun. 41 km
- Distance from Saharanpur. 59 km
- Distance from Muzzaffarnagar. 73 km
- Distance from Yamunanagar. 86 km
- Distance from Meerut. 118 km
- Distance from Karnal. 118 km
- Distance from Panipat. 132 km
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Ganga Dussehra festivities may also be seen in four other Indian states: Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Bihar, and West Bengal.
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Frequently Asked Questions Related To Ganga Dussehra
Q1. How is Ganga Dussehra celebrated?
A1. Ganga Dussehra celebrates the avatar(descent) of the pristine river Ganga. Devotees gather at ghats to worship the holy waters of Ganges along with aartis, bhajans, enchantments, offerings and so on.
Q2. What happens on Ganga Dussehra?
A2. Devotees from across the nation gather at the Ganga ghat to purify their souls by taking a plunge into the pure waters of the Ganges. This way, they purify their souls, get rid of their sins, and proceed with aartis, bhajans, and offerings.
Q3. Where is the Ganga dussehra celebrated?
A3. Uttarakhand is famous for the Ganga Dussehra. It is also celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal with utmost devotion.
PLEASE NOTE : Dates can vary due to cancellation or last-minute changes.
