Ganga Dussehra 2021: Check out date and time of the festival

In Hindu beliefs, the Ganges is said to be the most sacred river. It is believed that the sins of those who take a dip in it are destroyed. That is why Ganga is also called Papanaashni and Mokshadayani. A very important festival related to this river is 'Ganga Dussehra'.

It is celebrated every year on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month. This time Ganga Dussehra is falling on 20th June (Sunday). According to the Panchang, the tenth day of Jyeshtha will start from 6.50 pm on 19th June and will end on 20th June at 4.25 pm.

It is believed that on this day one should take a bath in the Ganges. By doing this, the sins of the person are erased and he becomes entitled to salvation. There is also a tradition of charity after bathing in the Ganges.

The legend has it that the holy Ganges only flowed in the heaven and was brought down to Earth in the form of a Goddess to purify the ashes of King Bhagiratha's ancestors.

According to the beliefs, King Bhagirath did a very long and hard penance for the salvation of his ancestors. He wanted to free the ancestors from the cycle of life and death. Lord Vishnu was pleased with his penance and in turn asked Bhagiratha to seek Lord Shiva's help to allow Ganga to fall on his head before it hit the Earth.

Devotees believe that taking a dip in the river on this day will get them rid of their sins and also heal any physical ailments.