Ganga Dussehra 2026: In Sanatan Dharma, Mother Ganga is considered a holy and liberating river. Every year, the festival of Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha. According to religious beliefs, on this sacred day, Mother Ganga descended from heaven to earth. This year, there is confusion among people regarding the exact date of Ganga Dussehra in 2026. Let us learn about the correct date, auspicious time, and significance of Ganga Dussehra.
When is Ganga Dussera 2026?
The start of Dashmi Titihi will commence on 25 May 2026 at morning 04.30 AM and will end on the next day 26 May 2026 at 05.10 AM. According to the scriptures, Uday tithi which is on 25 May 2026 will be considered significant as its Ravi yog due to Ganga Dussera which is why it will be celebrated during 25 May 2026 which is falling on Monday.
Holy Dip and Auspicious Puja Muhurat
When one takes a holy dip during ganga dussera it is believed that all sins are washed off. Now let us know the auspicious Muhurat –
- Brahma Muhurat- 04:04 AM to 04:45 AM
- Sandhya Muhurat- 04:24 AM to 05:26 AM
- Start of Hasth Nakshatra- From Morning 04:08 on 26 May, 2026
- Ravi Yog- Full Day of 25 May, 2026
Why is this festival celebrated?
According to religious legends, before descending to earth, Mother Ganga resided in the kamandalu of Lord Brahma. King Bhagiratha performed rigorous penance for years to secure peace and salvation for the souls of his ancestors. Pleased with his austerities, Mother Ganga agreed to come to earth. Due to King Bhagiratha’s tireless efforts, this sacred day is also known as Ganga Dussehra or Bhagirathi Jayanti.
Ganga Dussehra Puja Vidhi and the Importance of Donation:
Wake up early on this day, bathe, and meditate on Mother Ganga while chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivayai Narayanyai Dussehraai Gangayai Namah.” Afterward, offer incense, lamps, flowers, and naivedya to Mother Ganga. Donating on Ganga Dussehra holds special significance. Offering cold water or sherbet to passersby, donating sattu (sattu), a pot (pot), a fan, clothes, and food is considered extremely auspicious and virtuous.
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