Ganga Dussehra, also known as Ganga Dhaaraa or Ganga Dashara, is a spiritual voyage spanning ten days, devoted to venerating the divine essence of Ganga Maataa, culminating with Ganga Dashami on June 16, 2024. Across India, in revered locales like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Prayag and Varanasi, this festival resonates deeply within the hearts of the devout.
The Ganges, or Ganga, transcends mere geography; it intertwines with every facet of Indian life. Nearly one-tenth of humanity resides within the area of the Ganges basin, where this blessed river sustains existence and imbues it with profound significance. As Hindus, we recognise our duty to honour the environment, for it is through our sacred connection to nature that life finds its fullest expression. In worshipping Ganga Maataa, we are reminded of our responsibility to defend and preserve the environment and its invaluable resources.
Mythology abounds with reverence for Ganga, portraying her as a divine force. Scriptures describe her journey from the feet of Vishnu Bhagwan, and her potency, further magnified as she flowed through the locks of Shivaji’s hair. Raja Bhagiratha beseeched her descent to Earth, understanding the sanctity of her waters. Thus, Ganga Maataa is revered as Jataa-Dhari Ganga, flowing from Lord Shiva’s tresses, possessing the innate ability to purify and sanctify all that she reaches. Ritual baths in her sacred waters are believed to cleanse the body and soul, absolving sins and paving the path to liberation.
Ganga Maataa, as a manifestation of the Devi, holds a revered place in Sanaatan Dharma. Scriptures overflow with references to her worship, with Shree Krishna himself proclaiming, “I am the Gangaa among rivers.” In the Ramayana, Sita Maataa prayed to Ganga for the safe return of Shree Raam, Lakshman and herself to Ayodhya, while Shree Ram himself paid homage to the blessed river after worshipping a clay image of Shiva Bhagwan. Today, the worship of Ganga and Shivaji intertwines, with devotees offering prayers on the riverbanks during Ganga Dashami.
Our ancestors held steadfast devotion to Ganga Maataa, a tradition that persists today. Devotees gather at dawn along riverbanks, offering prayers, flowers and sacred water to Ganga Maataa. Elaborate preparations see murtis of Ganga Maataa and Lord Shiva installed in the waters, enhancing the sanctity of the occasion. Coconut shell boats ferry earthen lamps across the river’s surface, illuminating the Ganga with the light of devotion. Recitations of Ganga and Shiva Chaleesa, along with Ganga aarti, and Ganga jaap enrich the day’s rituals, culminating in a ceremonial bath symbolising the embodiment of Ganga Maataa herself.
As Ganga Dussehra unfolds, it is not merely a festival; it is a celebration of the divine flow of life, an affirmation of our sacred bond with nature, and a tribute to the enduring power of faith and devotion.
