Skip to content
Ganga Dussehra Varanasi 2026: Ghats Celebrations & Rituals

गंगा दशहरा वाराणसी 2026: घाटों पर उत्सव और अनुष्ठान

Ganga Dussehra Varanasi 2026: Ghats Celebrations & Rituals

Ganga Dussehra Varanasi 2026

Mark the descent of the Ganga with rituals across Varanasi ghats.

Ganga Dussehra celebrates the river’s arrival on earth. Devotees gather at Dashashwamedh, Assi and Rajendra Prasad Ghats for aarti, dips and offerings. The 2026 dates fall in early June, aligning with Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami.

At a Glance

84Ghats in Varanasi
10thDay of waxing moon
JyeshthaMonth observance
16th CRecorded traditions
5Major aarti ghats

Where to Witness the Festivities

Key ghats and neighbourhoods host distinct rituals.

🌊

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Grand evening aarti and mass Ganga snan draw thousands.

🪔

Assi Ghat

Quiet dawn rituals and student processions from nearby BHU.

📿

Manikarnika Ghat

Special tarpan and ancestral offerings at the cremation site.

🌅

Rajendra Prasad Ghat

Boat processions and cultural programmes after sunset.

Celebration Steps

1

Early Morning Snan

Devotees bathe at Assi or Dashashwamedh before sunrise.

2

Offerings & Aarti

Flowers, lamps and incense are floated on the river.

3

Procession

Groups walk between ghats chanting Ganga hymns.

4

Evening Aarti

Full Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh concludes the day.

Tips from people who live here

Best time

Reach ghats by 5 am for snan and stay till the evening aarti.

How to reach

Walk from Assi to Dashashwamedh or take a shared boat along the riverfront.

What to bring

Light cotton clothes, a small diya, flowers and water bottle.

Crowd note

Expect heavy footfall at Dashashwamedh; start early from Lanka or Bhelupur.

Frequently asked questions

When is Ganga Dussehra 2026?

The festival falls on Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami, expected in the first week of June 2026.

Which ghat is best for first-timers?

Dashashwamedh offers the most organised aarti and easy access from the old city.

Can tourists take part in the rituals?

Yes, respectful participation in the communal snan and aarti is welcomed at most ghats.

Is photography allowed?

Non-flash photography is permitted except near cremation areas at Manikarnika.

Are there any restrictions?

Avoid plastic offerings; use only natural flowers and biodegradable diyas.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Ganga Mahotsav 2026 will take place in Varanasi, primarily along the banks of the Ganges River. The celebrations will be centered around the various ghats, where rituals, cultural performances, and festivities are held to honor the river and its significance in Hindu culture.
The Ganga Aarti in Varanasi is typically free to attend, as it is a public religious ceremony held at the ghats. However, some private boat rides or special seating areas may have associated costs. It's advisable to check locally for any specific arrangements or offerings during festivals like Ganga Dussehra.
Dussehra in Varanasi is celebrated primarily at the ghats along the Ganges River, with significant festivities taking place at prominent locations like Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat. The celebrations include rituals, processions, and cultural performances, attracting both locals and tourists. The event marks the victory of good over evil, culminating in the immersion of idols in the Ganges.
Ganga Dussehra 2026 is on 25 May 2026 (Monday). It commemorates the day Goddess Ganga descended from heaven to Earth. Devotees take a holy dip (Ganga Snan), perform puja, and offer items in multiples of ten to wash away ten kinds of sins.