Ganga Dussehra: Notes for Kids
📅 When is it celebrated?
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on the 10th day (Dashami) of the bright half of the Jyeshtha month (May–June), according to the Hindu lunar calendar. It usually falls in late May or early June.
🌊 What is Ganga Dussehra?
Ganga Dussehra is a Hindu festival that celebrates the descent of the holy river Ganga (Ganges) from heaven to Earth. The word “Dussehra” comes from “Dus” (ten) and “Hara” (to destroy). It is believed that bathing in the Ganga on this day can wash away ten sins (दस पापों का नाश).
🕉️ Why is it important?
The river Ganga is considered a goddess in Hinduism — Ganga Maa (गंगा माँ). It is believed that King Bhagirath did great penance to bring Ganga to Earth to purify the ashes of his ancestors.
Lord Shiva received her powerful flow in his matted hair and gently released her to the Earth.
📍 Where is it celebrated the most?
- Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Gangotri
- Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi, Prayagraj
- Bihar: Patna
- West Bengal: Gangasagar
Devotees gather at ghats (riverbanks) to bathe, offer flowers, light diyas, and pray.
🛶 What do people do on this day?
- Take a holy bath in the Ganga or any nearby river.
- Offer flowers, diyas (lamps), fruits, and Ganga water.
- Perform aarti (light ceremony) and chant mantras.
- Some also donate food, clothes, and money to the poor.
💡 Interesting Facts:
- The Ganga is 2,525 km long and flows through many Indian states.
- It is one of the longest and holiest rivers in the world.
- Even today, people take Ganga water home and keep it in bottles, believing it stays pure forever.
📘 Ganga Dussehra – Questions & Answers
Q1. When is Ganga Dussehra celebrated?
A: On the 10th day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of the Jyeshtha month (May–June).
Q2. What does “Dussehra” mean in Ganga Dussehra?
A: “Dussehra” means destroying ten sins (दस पापों का नाश).
Q3. Who brought Ganga to Earth according to mythology?
A: King Bhagirath brought Ganga to Earth after doing great penance.
Q4. How did Lord Shiva help in bringing Ganga to Earth?
A: Lord Shiva caught Ganga in his hair to reduce her powerful flow and then released her gently to Earth.
Q5. Why do people take a bath in the Ganga on this day?
A: To purify themselves and wash away their sins.
Q6. Name three cities where Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with devotion.
A: Haridwar, Varanasi, Prayagraj.
Q7. What rituals are done on Ganga Dussehra?
A: Holy bath, offering flowers and lamps, chanting mantras, and giving charity.
Q8. What is the river Ganga known as in Hinduism?
A: As Ganga Maa (Mother Ganga) — a goddess.
