KKN Gurugram Desk | On the sacred occasion of Ganga Dussehra, thousands of devotees gathered at Sultanganj’s Uttarvahini Ganga Ghat in Bhagalpur to take a holy dip in the revered river. Pilgrims from across Bihar, Jharkhand, and neighboring states thronged the area from early morning to participate in spiritual rituals, bathe in the Ganges, and offer prayers at the famous Ajgaibinath Temple.

This yearly religious event marks the descent of River Ganga from the heavens to Earth, and according to Sanatan Dharma (Hindu tradition), bathing in the Ganges on Ganga Dussehra washes away sins and brings prosperity.

Significance of Ganga Dussehra: A Day of Divine Purification

Ganga Dussehra, observed on the Dashami (10th day) of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, is believed to be the day when Goddess Ganga descended to Earth. Devotees believe that taking a dip in the Ganges on this day purifies the soul and helps cleanse sins accumulated over lifetimes.

The Sultanganj stretch of the Ganga is unique because it is one of the few spots where the river flows northward (Uttarvahini)—a rare geographical phenomenon that makes it spiritually significant.

Uttarvahini Ganga in Sultanganj: A Hub of Devotion

Pilgrims began arriving at Uttarvahini Ghat before sunrise to perform the holy dip. The serene chants of “Har Har Gange” filled the air as people immersed themselves in the sacred water, offering prayers and performing rituals.

Sultanganj is historically and spiritually vital due to this rare river orientation, and it becomes a pilgrimage magnet especially during Ganga Dussehra and the upcoming Shravani Mela, when devotees collect water from here for Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar.

Crowd Management and Security Arrangements

With such massive footfall, local authorities and police had made extensive security arrangements. SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) personnel were deployed at all major ghats like Sultanganj, Mahadevpur, and Barari to prevent any untoward incidents during the ritual bath.

Police forces were stationed around temple premises and ghats to ensure smooth movement of crowds and to manage queues at Ajgaibinath Temple, where devotees offered water to Lord Shiva following the holy bath.

Temple Activities and Rituals at Ajgaibinath

Following their dip in the Ganga, a sea of devotees made their way to the historic Ajgaibinath Temple to offer jalabhishek (water offering) to Lord Shiva. The temple reverberated with the chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” as people formed long lines for darshan.

Priests conducted special Ganga Dussehra puja, and traditional offerings of fruits, flowers, clothes, and vermillion were made. Many women offered suhag items (items symbolizing marital bliss) like bangles, sindoor, and red clothes to the deity.

Donations and Religious Acts

Hindus believe that daan (donation) performed on Ganga Dussehra holds significant merit. At the ghats, locals and pilgrims were seen donating water, fruits, clothing, salt, ghee, and religious items to the needy. It is believed that such acts on this auspicious day bring peace, blessings, and good fortune.

One devotee from Munger, Aman Kumar, said,

“I’ve come here to take the holy bath and seek blessings. The arrangements are very good this year. Clean ghats, security, and free distribution of prasad make this a spiritually fulfilling experience.”

Environmental Consciousness at the Festival

Interestingly, this year saw a greater focus on cleanliness and environment-friendly practices. Volunteers and NGOs teamed up with the municipal authorities to ensure that the ghats remained clean and waste-free. Dustbins were placed at regular intervals, and announcements were made urging people to avoid throwing plastic or puja items into the river.

Ganga Dussehra and the Upcoming Shravani Mela

While Ganga Dussehra is a standalone event, it also marks the beginning of preparations for the Shravani Mela, a month-long pilgrimage where devotees collect holy Ganga water from Sultanganj and walk nearly 100 kilometers to offer it at Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand.

The rush seen during Ganga Dussehra is seen as a precursor to the even larger turnout expected during the Shravani month.

Historical and Mythological Relevance

According to legends, King Bhagirath meditated and performed penance for several years to bring Ganga down from heaven to Earth for the salvation of his ancestors. Pleased by his devotion, the gods allowed Ganga to descend. Lord Shiva bore the brunt of her force in his matted hair to minimize the impact, after which the river flowed gently to Earth.

Since then, Ganga Dussehra is observed as the divine occasion when the holy river blessed Earth with its presence.

Travel Tips for Pilgrims

For those planning to visit Sultanganj:

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning for a peaceful dip and darshan.

• What to Carry: Extra clothes, water bottles, biodegradable offerings.

• How to Reach: Easily accessible by train and road from Bhagalpur.

• Accommodation: Guest houses and dharamshalas available for pilgrims.

Authorities have also installed help desks and signage in key areas to assist visitors.

Ganga Dussehra in Sultanganj 2025 has once again underlined the spiritual, cultural, and social fabric that binds millions of Indians together through faith. The convergence of tradition, devotion, and responsible celebration made this year’s event not just a spiritual experience, but a showcase of collective harmony.

As the chants fade and the crowds disperse, the sanctity of the river and the power of faith remain deeply etched in the hearts of those who were a part of this sacred gathering.