Significance and Observance
Dashahara Vrata is dedicated to
Goddess Ganga (River Ganges) and is observed by certain Hindu communities. The
Vrat is observed from the first day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon)
in Jyesta masa (May – June). It is a
10-day Vrata.
This Vrata is based on the legend
that Goddess Ganga descended on the earth on Jyesta Shukla Dashami (10th day of
Jyesta 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.