Lakhs of Hindu devotees would take holy bath in the river Ganga to observe the festival of Ganga Dussehra on May 28, 2015 (today). It is believed that on this day River Ganga made its appearance on Earth. As per Hindu Calendar, it falls on Dashami Tithi or the tenth day of the bright half of the moon in the month of Jyaistha. This festival is celebrated with great fervour in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Thousands of devotees flock to Gangasagar in West Bengal where river Ganga falls into Bay of Bengal.
According to Hindu mythology, this is the day on which the river Ganga descended on earth from heaven. This festival is celebrated for ten days starting from the Amavasya and ends on the shukla dasami (Ganga Dussehra).
Several Devotees also take bath in other sacred rivers like Yamuna. They offer cold water, lassi aur sherbat and take a dip in rivers or ponds before worshipping Lord Shiva. Many devotees also fly kites to mark this day.
Many charity organizations distribute Sherbet while special puja is organised on the banks of Rivers Ganga and Yamuna.
Ganga is the most sacred river in India and it is believed that a holy dip in Ganga can purge all type of sins.