Festivals

Jeth Dussehra Jeth Dussehra, commonly known as Ganga Dussehra, is a significant festival celebrated in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, typically falling on the 10th day (Dashami Tithi) of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May or June). Key Aspects of Jeth Dussehra in Etawah:Significance: It commemorates the descent of the Goddess Ganga from heaven to Earth.Rituals: Devotees take a holy dip in the river—often in the nearby Yamuna or Yamuna-Chambal confluence, or in local water bodies—to cleanse themselves of sins and seek blessings.Festival Activities: It is a time for devotion, offering prayers to Ganga, and conducting charitable acts, such as giving away food or water.Timing: The festival falls in the peak of summer, making it a time when special importance is placed on water conservation and sharing water (or drinks) to relieve heat, which is also associated with the nearby festival of Nirjala Ekadashi.Other Festivities: The district of Etawah holds various fairs, including at Lakhna, around this season. Note: In 2026, Ganga Dussehra will be observed on Monday, May 25th.

Sheetala Ashtami Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) in Etawah is celebrated with immense devotion, particularly at the prominent Anandi Mata temple in Purohitan Tola, where a grand floral decoration (Phool Bangla) is arranged. Devotees in Etawah observe the festival by visiting temples, offering cold food prepared the previous day to Sheetala Mata to protect against heat-related diseases. Key Details for Sheetala Ashtami in Etawah:Date (2026): Wednesday, March 11, 2026.Significance: Devotees worship Goddess Sheetala for health, prosperity, and protection against diseases like measles and smallpox.Rituals: Devotees offer Basoda (pre-cooked food such as rabri, curd, and batasha) to the Goddess, typically not lighting a fire at home on this day.Celebrations: The Anandi Mata Temple in Etawah becomes a central hub, featuring special floral decorations (Phool Bangla) and devotees singing bhajans (devotional songs).Other Activities: Rituals often include applying haldi (turmeric) and offering water to the deity, followed by reading or listening to the Basoda Vrat Katha.