Dashahara Vrata is dedicated to Goddess Ganga (River Ganges) and is observed by certain Hindu communities. In 2024, Dashahara Vrata begins on June 7 and ends on June 16 – the Ganga Dussehra day. The Vrat is observed from the first day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Jyeshta month (May – June). It is a 10-day Vrata.
This Vrata is based on the legend that Goddess Ganga descended on the earth on Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami (10th day of Jyeshtha month) pleased with the austerieis performed by King Bhageeratha.
The important rituals during the period are daily morning bath in River Ganga for redemption of sins and worship of Ganga . Some people also perform Tila Tarpana.