Ganga Dussehra 2026 will be observed on Monday, May 25, marking one of the most spiritually significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Ganga.

Celebrated with deep devotion across India, the festival commemorates the divine descent of the holy river from heaven to Earth.

Devotees believe that offering prayers and taking a sacred dip in the River Ganga on this day helps cleanse sins, purify the soul and bring peace, prosperity and spiritual blessings.

Also known as Gangavataran, Ganga Dussehra is observed with Ganga Snan, Ganga Aarti, chanting of hymns, charitable acts and special pujas at riverbanks and temples.

Thousands of pilgrims travel to sacred cities including Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Prayagraj to participate in holy bathing rituals and evening aartis along the banks of the Ganga.

Ganga Dussehra 2026: Date And Puja Timings

According to the Hindu Panchang, the festival falls on Dashami Tithi during Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha.

  • Ganga Dussehra: Monday, May 25, 2026
  • Dashami Tithi Begins: 04:30 AM on May 25, 2026
  • Dashami Tithi Ends: 05:10 AM on May 26, 2026
  • Hasta Nakshatra Begins: 04:08 AM on May 26, 2026
  • Hasta Nakshatra Ends: 05:56 AM on May 27, 2026
  • Vyatipata Yoga Begins: 03:11 AM on May 27, 2026
  • Vyatipata Yoga Ends: 03:25 AM on May 28, 2026

The festival carries immense religious significance in Hindu tradition. According to sacred scriptures, Goddess Ganga descended to Earth to liberate the souls of King Bhagiratha’s ancestors.

Mythological beliefs state that the holy river originally resided in the Kamandal of Lord Brahma before flowing down to Earth through the locks of Lord Shiva, symbolising purity, redemption and divine grace.

On Ganga Dussehra, devotees wake up early to take a ritual bath in the Ganga or other holy rivers, offer flowers and diyas, perform pujas and donate food, clothes and essentials to the needy. Many also recite sacred mantras and observe fasting as part of the celebrations.

The festival is considered highly auspicious for seeking forgiveness, spiritual growth and blessings for health and prosperity, making it one of the most revered occasions in the Hindu calendar.