Post by habiba123820 on Nov 3, 2024 1:40:58 GMT -5
The Hindu religion is known for its vibrant and colorful celebrations. One of them is Ganga Dussehra (or Gangavataran), the day of worshiping the sacred Ganges River (or Ganges River) and bathing in the waters of the Ganges.
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day (Dussehra) of the lunar month of Jyeshtha*, usually falling in May or June (in the Gregorian calendar).
*Jyeshtha is a month in the Hindu calendar. In the national civil calendar of India, Jyestha is the third month of the year.
This year, it takes place on July 16th.
What is the symbolism? Hindus believe that wordpress web design agency the Ganges River descended from heaven to earth on this day of celebration, which they called “Avatarana,” the Hindi word for “landing.” The significance of this “avatarana” of the Ganges River is to bring blessings and spiritual purification to humanity.
A summary of this commemorative date:
Ganga Dussehra
Date: May-June (Gregorian calendar).
Cultural link: Hindu festival.
Meaning: River Ganges descended from heaven to earth bringing blessings.
Celebration: Offer prayers and flowers, bathe in the Ganges River and perform rituals along the river bank.
Where it is celebrated: Along the river's flow, mainly in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and West Bengal.
Duration: 10 days.
Ganges River in Varanasi
Image by Srivatsan Balaji on unsplash.com
But to properly appreciate the importance of this date, we need to understand the importance of the Ganges River for Hindus and Indians.
The Ganges River in Hindu Culture
You may have heard about people bathing in the waters of the Ganges, even though the water quality parameters are not good and poor sanitation is an environmental issue in India. Industrialization and the Hindu ritual of cremation on the sands and banks of the river contribute to this pollution.
Image by Sachin Singh on unsplash.com
Still, why is the Ganges River so sacred to Hindu culture and worth a dip in on celebratory dates? The explanation is based on Hindu mythology, bringing beliefs such as:
Hindu scriptures say that the Ganges River descended from heaven to earth through the prayers of the Hindu king Bhagirath to Lord Shiva. He requested Goddess Ganga to descend to purify the earth and the ashes of his ancestors.
A Goddess? Yes, Hindus believe that the river has the status of a goddess and a mother.
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day (Dussehra) of the lunar month of Jyeshtha*, usually falling in May or June (in the Gregorian calendar).
*Jyeshtha is a month in the Hindu calendar. In the national civil calendar of India, Jyestha is the third month of the year.
This year, it takes place on July 16th.
What is the symbolism? Hindus believe that wordpress web design agency the Ganges River descended from heaven to earth on this day of celebration, which they called “Avatarana,” the Hindi word for “landing.” The significance of this “avatarana” of the Ganges River is to bring blessings and spiritual purification to humanity.
A summary of this commemorative date:
Ganga Dussehra
Date: May-June (Gregorian calendar).
Cultural link: Hindu festival.
Meaning: River Ganges descended from heaven to earth bringing blessings.
Celebration: Offer prayers and flowers, bathe in the Ganges River and perform rituals along the river bank.
Where it is celebrated: Along the river's flow, mainly in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and West Bengal.
Duration: 10 days.
Ganges River in Varanasi
Image by Srivatsan Balaji on unsplash.com
But to properly appreciate the importance of this date, we need to understand the importance of the Ganges River for Hindus and Indians.
The Ganges River in Hindu Culture
You may have heard about people bathing in the waters of the Ganges, even though the water quality parameters are not good and poor sanitation is an environmental issue in India. Industrialization and the Hindu ritual of cremation on the sands and banks of the river contribute to this pollution.
Image by Sachin Singh on unsplash.com
Still, why is the Ganges River so sacred to Hindu culture and worth a dip in on celebratory dates? The explanation is based on Hindu mythology, bringing beliefs such as:
Hindu scriptures say that the Ganges River descended from heaven to earth through the prayers of the Hindu king Bhagirath to Lord Shiva. He requested Goddess Ganga to descend to purify the earth and the ashes of his ancestors.
A Goddess? Yes, Hindus believe that the river has the status of a goddess and a mother.