Ganga Saptami, a sacred Hindu festival observed on the seventh day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Vaishakha month, falls on May 14, 2024, this year. Dedicated to the revered Ganga River, also known as the Ganges, the day commemorates her descent from heaven to earth.
Significance Of This Auspicious Day
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Ganga is considered a life-giving force in Hinduism. Devotees believe her holy waters possess the power to absolve sins and bestow spiritual merit. According to mythology, King Bhagiratha performed years of penance to bring Ganga down to earth to purify the ashes of his ancestors. Ganga Saptami marks the culmination of his efforts and the beginning of Ganga’s earthly journey.
Ganga Saptami is observed with a blend of piety and devotion. The day begins with a pre-dawn dip in the Ganges, or for those unable to travel, a bath at home using Ganga water. Devotees then offer prayers to the rising sun, followed by a puja dedicated to Goddess Ganga. This puja typically involves preparing offerings like flowers, fruits, and sweets, accompanied by chants in her praise. A core ritual involves offering prayers and libations (arghya) to both the sun and the Ganges, with offerings like flowers, milk, rice, and water. Observing a full or partial fast is a personal choice for some devotees, while charitable donations, particularly to organizations supporting the Ganges’ preservation, are highly encouraged.
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About Ganga Saptami Puja 2024
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The ideal time to perform Ganga Saptami puja is during Madhyahna Muhurat, which falls between 10:56 AM and 1:39 PM on May 14, 2024. However, devotees can perform the puja at their convenience throughout the day.
This year, Ganga Saptami coincides with the auspicious “Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga,” believed to magnify the potency of rituals performed during this time. Devotees are particularly fortunate to experience this confluence. Ganga Saptami serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of water conservation. The festival is a call to action to preserve the Ganges, a lifeline for millions in India.
Also Read: Boating On The Ganga River Prohibited After 8:30 PM; Violators To Face Legal Action
Whether you choose to take a holy dip, perform puja at home, or simply reflect on the significance of the Ganges, Ganga Saptami offers an opportunity to connect with a deeply revered symbol of purity and renewal.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)
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