Ganga Dussehra is one of the important festivals of Hinduism, celebrated about a month and three days after Ganga Saptami. Ganga Saptami is celebrated on the Saptami tithi (seventh lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of the month of Vaishakha, while Ganga Dussehra – also known as Ganga Dashami – is celebrated on the Dashami tithi (tenth lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Jyeshtha.
Ganga Saptami is celebrated as the day of rebirth or appearance of Mother Ganga. On the contrary, Ganga Dussehra is celebrated as the day of descent of Mother Ganga on earth. This year, Ganga Dussehra will be celebrated on Monday, May 25, 2026. Taking bath in the holy river (especially Ganga) on the day of Ganga Dussehra has great significance. It is believed that taking a religious bath in the river on this day washes away all the sins and troubles, thereby attaining spiritual virtue. Let us know the auspicious time for bathing, donation and worship on Ganga Dussehra.
View Quick Summary
Key points generated by AI, verified by newsrooms
Ganga Dussehra 2026: Auspicious time
Start of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha Dashami Tithi: Monday, May 25, from 4:30 am.
End of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha Dashami Tithi: Tuesday, May 26, till 5:10 am.
Since Udayatithi (lunar day prevailing at the time of sunrise) is considered to be the valid criteria, the festival of Ganga Dussehra will be celebrated on 25th May only.
Ganga Dussehra 2026: Ganga Dussehra is falling on 25th May; Note the auspicious time for holy bath, charity and puja.
Also read: Guru Pradosh Vrat 2026: A rare coincidence of two Guru Pradosh Vrats is taking place in the month of May; Know why it is special. Ganga Dussehra 2026: Auspicious time for bath, charity and puja
*Brahma Muhurta* and *Abhijeet Muhurta* are considered to be the most auspicious time for bathing, charity and worship on the day of Ganga Dussehra. According to the *Panchang* (Almanac) of May 25, *Brahma Muhurta* on this day will be from 4:34 am to 5:18 am. Whereas, *Abhijeet Muhurta* will be from 12:09 pm to 1:02 pm. You can do charitable work after your religious bath and puja. Next, keep in mind that the donation must be made before sunset.
Donate these things on Ganga Dussehra (Ganga Dussehra donation)
On the day of Ganga Dussehra, you can donate food, money and clothes to poor and needy people. Along with this, also give clothes, alms or Dakshina to Brahmins on this day. Donating makeup items to married women on this day is considered auspicious. Donating fodder, grains and water etc. to animals and birds is also considered an act of virtue.
Holy Mantra of Mother Ganga
‘Om Namo Bhagwati Hili Hili Mili Mili Gange Maa Pavay Pavay Swaha’
“Om Bhagirathyai cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai cha Dhimahi. Tanno Ganga Prachodayat.”
“Om Namo Gangayai Vishwaroopinyai Narayanyai Namo Namah”
“Ganga Gangeti Yo Bruyat, Yojanaan Shatairpi,
Muchyate sarvapapaybhyo, Vishnuloke sa gachchati.”
“Om Namo Gangayai Vishwaroopinyai Narayanyai Namo Namah”
Why is Ganga called Bhagirathi?
According to mythology, King Bhagiratha performed rigorous penance for the peace of the souls of his dead ancestors and liberation from hell. Pleased with the penance of Bhagiratha, Mother Ganga descended from heaven to earth. That is why Ganga is also called Bhagirathi.