When river Ganga incarnated on earth that occasion was obliged with rare ten vedic astrologic calculations. Jyeshtha month, Shukla Paksha (bright half), Tenth date, Wednesday, Hasta Nakshatra, Vyatipata yoga, Gar Anand Yog and Moon in Virgo and Sun in Tauras, these all ten Yogas absorb all the ten sins by merely take a bath in river Ganga on Ganga Dussehra.
Those all ten sins in which among three are organic, four verbal and other three are mental are proclaimed. Organic means sins conducted by heavenly body and these are, 1. Fetch anything from others forcibly, 2. Violence, 3. Contact with other woman. Among four types of verbal sins are, 1. Speak harsh words, 2. Tell a lie, 3. Complain for others and 4. Irrelevant rambling are included. To occupy others assets, desire to harm others and discussions on irrelevant topics are considered as the top most mental sins. As far as possible one should avoid involving in all these activities as these are considered as the biggest sins in our mythology but still if occur mistakenly then can demolish by just take a holy dip and perform pooja in Ganga on Ganga Dussehra.
Significance
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Mythological Background: Ganga Dussehra commemorates the descent of the river Ganga from heaven to earth, as narrated in Hindu mythology. According to the legend, King Bhagiratha performed intense penance to bring the river to earth to purify the ashes of his ancestors and grant them salvation.
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Spiritual Importance: The festival is believed to wash away sins and purify the soul. Taking a dip in the river Ganga on this day is considered highly auspicious.
When It Is Celebrated
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Date: The festival typically falls in the month of Jyeshtha (May-June) and lasts for ten days. The tenth day, known as Dashami, is the most significant.
Rituals and Celebrations
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Holy Bath: Devotees take a ritual bath in the Ganges river to cleanse themselves of sins.
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Puja and Offerings: Special prayers and rituals are performed on the ghats (riverbanks). Offerings include flowers, diyas (oil lamps), and sweets.
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Charity: Many people engage in acts of charity and distribute food and clothes to the needy.
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Cultural Programs: Various cultural events, including music, dance, and religious discourses, are organized during the festival.
Locations of Major Celebrations
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Haridwar: One of the most significant places where Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with great fervor.
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Varanasi: Known for its spiritual significance and grand celebrations.
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Allahabad (Prayagraj): Another important location where thousands of devotees gather.
Ganga Dussehra Rituals
If it is not possible to take bath in Ganga on Ganga Dussehra pray at some other river or reservoir or with pure water at home as per the convenience. After that should do recital pooja in front of idol of Ganga. The idol of Ganga is considered as Trinetr, quadrilateral, adorned with white clothes and white lotus. King Bhagirath and Himalaya should also be worshipped which is highly recommended during Ganga pooja. Lord Shiva is the prime deity to be worship during the Ganga Pooja as he is sole owner and holder of river Ganga and by grace of his mercy only sent the river on earth for the welfare of mankind. The donation of ten eatable items mainly fruits and black sesame seeds are considered most auspicious.