Ganga Saptami

The river Ganga is believed to have originated on the day of Vaishakh Shukla Saptami. Taking a bath in the river Ganga on this day is considered to be holy and sacred. Vaishakh Shukla Saptami is celebrated with a lot of zeal and excitement in the whole country. It is believed that Ganga came to earth on this day. Ganga’s birth story has been explained in Skanda Purana, Valmiki Ramayana etc.

River Ganga is considered a goddess in the Hindu religion. A significant number of pilgrimage centers are situated on the banks of the mighty Ganga. River Ganga is considered to be the most sacred and holy of all rivers in India. It is believed that taking a bath in the river Ganga cleans a person of all sins. Many people wish for a cremation near the river, as they consider it to be the path of salvation. Devotees also perform other religious activities on the banks of the river Ganga.

According to Hindu mythology, Ganga descended on Earth on Ganga Dussehra day. When Ganga descended on Earth, Lord Shiva took her in his hair to slow Ganga's descent, to avoid her sweeping the whole Earth away. Later Lord Shiva released Ganga so that she can accomplish her mission to purge the cursed souls of Bhagiratha's ancestors. Ganga Saptami is an extremely auspicious day for Hindus. Devotees worship Goddess Ganga and also take a dip in the holy water. It is believed that a dip in the mighty river, cleans all the sins of the person.

On the auspicious occasion of Ganga Jayanti, people bathe in the holy river before sunrise. Flower wreaths and earthen lamps are released into the holy water. The Ganga aarti is performed on the banks of the river. Devotees come from far and wide to take part in the event. The mantras chanted during this occasion is considered to be very sacred and powerful. Generally the ‘Gayatri Mantra’ and ‘Ganga Sahasranam Strotram’ are chanted.