Ganga Dussehra 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Puja?

• Devotees of Mother Ganga: Devotees bathe in and worship the holy Ganga, seeking the cleansing of sins (Papa Mukti) and spiritual merit.
• Families Seeking Blessings: Families pray for health, peace and the wellbeing of their ancestors, and perform acts of charity (Daan).

When Should This Be Performed?

• Ganga Snan: The holy dip in the Ganga is taken in the morning, ideally in Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hour before sunrise) or at sunrise. Check the sunrise time for your city on this page.
• Main Puja: The Ganga Puja is done in the morning after the bath. Those who cannot reach the river may add a little Ganga Jal to their bathing water at home.
• Daan and Evening Aarti: Charity is given through the day, and in many places the Ganga Aarti is performed at the riverbank in the evening (families differ).

About the Festival

Ganga Dussehra celebrates the descent of the holy river Ganga from heaven to the earth, and is observed across India, especially along the banks of the Ganga. It takes place on the Dashami (tenth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha.

The Katha (Story of Bhagiratha and the Descent of Ganga)

Long ago, King Sagara of the Ikshvaku dynasty performed a great Ashwamedha yagna. Indra, fearing for his throne, hid the sacrificial horse near the ashram of the sage Kapila. When the sixty thousand sons of Sagara found the horse there, they accused the meditating sage and disturbed his penance. Kapila opened his eyes in anger, and the princes were burned to ashes.

Generations later, the sons' descendants could not complete their rites, and their souls remained without peace. King Bhagiratha, a descendant of Sagara, vowed to bring Ganga down to the earth so that her waters could free his ancestors. He performed severe penance for thousands of years. Pleased by his devotion, Mother Ganga agreed to descend, but the earth could not bear the force of her fall.

The Creator advised Bhagiratha: "Pray to Lord Shiva. Only he can hold the might of Ganga in his matted locks." Bhagiratha worshipped Shiva with deep devotion, and the Lord agreed. Ganga fell upon his head and was held within his locks, then released gently in streams. Bhagiratha led her to the place where the ashes of his ancestors lay, and her waters granted them liberation. Since that day, devotees have bathed in the Ganga on Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami, remembering her descent and seeking her blessings.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Mother Ganga, or a vessel of Ganga Jal
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Chandan (sandalwood paste), and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Dhoop (incense)
• Floral Offerings: Fresh flowers, Tulsi leaves, and a garland
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Sweets, fruits, Sattu, and Panchamrit, with ten of each item where possible
• Daan Items: Grains, clothes, water pots, fruit, and fans (Pankha) for donation

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta and prepare for the Ganga Snan.
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Mother Ganga, today I bathe in your holy waters and worship you. Wash away my sins and bless my family with peace, health and prosperity."
3. Keep the day pure, avoiding anger and harsh speech.

Step 2: Ganga Snan (Holy Bath at Sunrise)

1. Go to the banks of the Ganga, or any holy river, and enter the water with reverence.
2. Take ten dips in the water, remembering Mother Ganga each time.
3. Those who cannot go to the river may add a few drops of Ganga Jal to the water at home and bathe with the same devotion.
4. Wear clean, auspicious clothes after the bath.

Step 3: Performing the Ganga Puja

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense before Mother Ganga.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, Chandan and Akshat.
3. Offering Flowers: Offer fresh flowers, Tulsi leaves and a garland, in tens where possible.
4. Offering Naivedya: Offer sweets, fruits, Sattu and Panchamrit as Prasad.

Step 4: Reciting the Katha

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully on the bank or before the Ganga Jal and recite or listen to the story of Ganga's descent with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, offer the grains and petals to the water or at the deity's feet.

Step 5: Aarti and Daan

1. Perform the Ganga Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. Give Daan to the needy, such as grains, clothes, water pots and fruit, in tens where possible.
3. Float a small leaf-boat with a Diya on the river, if you are at the riverbank.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the Prasad among family members, neighbours and the needy.
3. Eat a simple sattvic meal, and end the day with a prayer of gratitude to Mother Ganga.