According to mythological beliefs, Ganga Dussehra—celebrated on the tenth day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Jyeshtha—is considered an immensely meritorious festival. It is believed that on this very day, Mother Ganga emerged from the matted locks of Lord Shiva and descended upon the Earth. The *Skanda Purana*, *Padma Purana*, and *Vishnu Purana* highlight the special significance of bathing in the Ganges, performing acts of charity, and offering worship. It is said that rituals performed on this day with faith and strict adherence to tradition dispel sorrow, poverty, and negativity from an individual's life, paving the way for happiness and prosperity.

1. **Bathe in the Ganges or with Ganges Water**
Bathing in the River Ganges on the day of Ganga Dussehra is considered highly auspicious. If bathing in the Ganges is not possible, sprinkle Ganges water over your body after your regular bath. It is believed that doing so grants liberation from ten types of sins and brings about mental peace.

2. **Chant the Mantra: "Om Namo Gangayai Namah"**
Chanting mantras dedicated to Mother Ganga on this day yields immense spiritual merit. Chanting the mantra "Om Namo Gangayai Namah" 108 times with deep faith infuses the home with positive energy and helps fulfill one's wishes.

3. **Perform *Aarti* for Mother Ganga by Lighting Ten Lamps**
Lighting ten lamps on Ganga Dussehra is considered to hold special significance. Performing the *Aarti* (ritual of lights) and offering lamps (*Deepdan*) in the evening—while meditating upon Mother Ganga—enhances happiness and good fortune in one's life.

4. **Donate Water and Refreshing Drinks to the Needy**
The month of Jyeshtha is characterized by scorching heat; therefore, donating water, refreshing drinks (*Sharbat*), fruits, and hand fans on this day is considered an act of immense spiritual merit. Religious belief holds that such acts bestow upon the individual inexhaustible spiritual merit (*Akshaya Punya*).

5. **Offer Water to the Peepal Tree**
On Ganga Dussehra, offer water to a Peepal tree while meditating upon Lord Vishnu. It is believed that this practice helps alleviate *Pitra Dosha* (ancestral afflictions) and resolve financial difficulties.

6. **Sprinkle Ganges Water Throughout the Home**
Sprinkling Ganges water throughout the entire house on this day is considered auspicious. Doing so dispels negative energy and helps maintain an atmosphere of peace and harmony within the home.

7. Perform *Abhishek* (Ritual Bathing) of Lord Shiva
Since Mother Ganga descended to Earth from the matted locks of Lord Shiva, offering Ganges water (*Gangajal*) to a *Shivling* on Ganga Dussehra is considered particularly meritorious. This bestows the blessings of both Lord Shiva and Mother Ganga.

8. Donate Ten Types of Items
According to the *Skanda Purana*, donating ten different types of fruits, flowers, sweets, or grains on this day is considered auspicious. This enhances prosperity and good fortune in one's life.

9. Recite the *Gita* or *Vishnu Sahasranama*
On Ganga Dussehra, the worship of Lord Vishnu is also considered highly rewarding. Reciting the *Gita* or the *Vishnu Sahasranama* on this day brings mental peace and spiritual strength.

10. Serve Cows and Donate Food
According to religious beliefs, feeding green fodder to cows and providing food to the poor on Ganga Dussehra pleases Mother Ganga. This leads to an increase in happiness, prosperity, and material abundance within the home.

PC Social Media