Cleansing current – Thousands of Hindu devotees dive into purity at India's Haridwar Ganga Dussehra Festival

"Thousands of Hindu devotees gathered on the banks of the Ganges River on Monday to celebrate Ganga Dussehra, commemorating the day the Goddess Ganga descended from heaven to Earth. Footage from the event shows the Ganga site in Haridwar transformed into a vibrant epicentre of faith, as pilgrims from across the country engaged in ancient rituals, including the sacred dip to cleanse their sins from body and soul. From dawn, the iconic Har Ki Pauri ghat brimmed with worshippers seeking spiritual purification. According to Hindu tradition, a ritual dip (Ganga Snan) on this day is believed to wash away 10 types of sins—physical, verbal, and mental—accumulated over lifetimes. "Since early morning, thousands and millions of devotees have been taking a sacred dip of faith in the holy Ganga at Haridwar’s revered pilgrimage site (Har Ki Pauri Brahmakund), attaining spiritual merit, blessings, and divine glory," said one devotee. The festival, which occurs on the tenth day of the Jyeshtha month, is deeply rooted in charity. Pilgrims donated essentials like water, clothes, and grains in sets of 10, reflecting the spiritual significance of the number. “Ganga water is useful to us in all good deeds, auspicious works, and all tasks, and so we consider it very beneficial,” explained one visitor. "And took a bath here, and now we will do charity. Mother Ganga came to earth on this day, so this festival is celebrated today," she added. Local authorities also deployed additional security personnel and disaster management teams to ensure safety along the fast-flowing river. As dusk approached, thousands of earthen lamps (diyas) and flowers were released into the water as part of rituals, transforming the river into a shimmering corridor of light, accompanied by rhythmic chants and ringing bells. Millions of devotees were estimated to have gathered at ghats across India to participate in Ganga Dussehra 2026, observed on the Dashami Tithi (10th day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) in the Hindu calendar month of Jyeshtha."

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