Ganga, the sacred river of India is worshipped by Hindus as a Goddess as well as a mother. The festival, Ganga Dussehra is celebrated to commemorate holy Ganga’s descent on earth. It falls on the tenth day in the month of Jayeshta. Ten days of this month are dedicated in the worship of this holy river. For 2008, it falls on 13th June, Friday.

Myth behind Ganga Dussehra
According to the legends, it is said that descent of Ganga on earth occurred in the month of Jayeshta. She was brought down to earth for the salvation of the 60,000 sons of King Sagara of Ayodhya who were burnt to ashes by Sage Kapila. It was Bhagiratha, the grandson of king Sagara who brought Goddess to earth by his great tapas (long penance). The legends tell that when Ganga came down to earth from heaven, Lord Shiva caught her in his matted hair in order to lessen the impact of her fall.

Thus Goddess Ganga is regarded as the second wife of Lord Shiva. She is believed to exist as Mandakini in heaven, Alakananda in underworld and Ganges on earth, showering her divine grace on all the three worlds.

Ganga Dussehra Celebrations
Ganga Dussehra is widely celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal where Ganga flows in her bounty. Millions of devotees flock to places like Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Prayag, Garh-Mukteswar etc on this day where Ganga flows. These places hold a special significance on this day.

In Haridwar, ‘Aratis’ are performed at twilight along with bhajans, kirtans and recitations of slokas. In evenings leaf boats laden with flowers, sweets and flames are offered to Goddess and thousands of devotees meditate on the river bank. Devotees take a holy dip in the river, worship Goddess, offer prayers, chant Her names and take the Ganges water and clay to their homes to venerate and worship. People who can not go to these places, take bath in rivers invoking and praying the Goddess.

Hindus believe that Goddess Ganga has the power of absolving one’s sins. So a bath in the river is believed to wash away all the sins. If this is not possible immersion of the ashes after death is believed to release one from the cycles of birth and rebirth.