Ganga Dussehra: 6 destinations where Ganga’s descent from heaven is celebrated

Ganga Dussehra is an eagerly awaited summer festivals for devout Indians. Celebrated on the tenth day of the waxing phase of moon as per the Hindu lunar calendar, Ganga Dussehra is the day when the celestial Ganga River descended from the heavens to this earth in order to salvage the departed souls of King Bhagiratha’s ancestors many thousand years ago.
Because Ganga came on earth at the prayer of Bhagiratha, she came to be known as Bhagirathi by the devotees. This day is widely celebrated in India to honour the life and liberation-giving Ganga River at various places across North India. Taking a holy dip in Ganga river, offering oblations and prayers, worshipping the river etc. are the rituals performed by the people on Ganga Dussehra. A lot of people plan a trip to the destinations where the festival is celebrated to partake in the joy of bathing in the river waters on this blessed day, and earn some merit.

Rishikesh

There is nothing like taking a dip in the clean and pure waters of Ganga in Rishikesh. And if that happens on an auspicious day like Ganga Dussehra, they say, your religious merit gets multiplied. Rishikesh is perhaps one of the least crowded places you can visit on this day.
Haridwar

For tourists with a religious bent of mind, a visit to Haridwar can really be rewarding. There is no place like Haridwar to worship Ganga. So, if you have your hotel/guest house/dharamshala booking in place, you are good to go.

Garhmukteshwar

Located in Uttar Pradesh, Garhmukteshwar is the only destination close to Delhi and NCR where you can find a Ganga ghat. This place is very much off-the-radar as far as tourism is concerned, and hence, tourists living in and around Delhi can reach Garhmukteshwar in mere 2-3 hours. There are temples of Ganga and other deities in this city. It is a convenient place for a day trip.

Prayagraj

Ganga passes through the holy city of Prayagraj. After Kumbh Mela, Ganga Dussehra is the second favourite festival of this ancient city. Naturally, there is the fervour among the people of this city, and tourists who come here, for the celebrations is infectious.

Kashi



Banaras or Kashi is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in India, so it is obvious for people to throng this city on Ganga Dussehra to worship the hallowed river. Ganga ghats remain crowded with eager bathers and worshipers on this day, so be an early bird if you can.

Patna

The capital city of Bihar is blessed with the presence of Ganga River. Like Chhath Puja, Ganga Dussehra is also celebrated with great enthusiasm and glory at Kangan Ghat. If you have not visited Patna yet, this is the day you should consider planning a trip to the city.