Ganga Saptami, also known as Ganga Jayanti, is a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Ganga. It celebrates the rebirth of the river Ganga on Earth. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the Ganges descended to Earth on this day. The festival occurs on the seventh day (Saptami) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Vaishakha, which typically falls in late April or early May.
The significance of Ganga Saptami lies in the belief that the Ganges River, considered the most sacred river in India, purifies the sins of those who take a dip in its holy waters. Therefore, Ganga Jayanti is marked by devotees taking holy baths in the Ganges, performing aarti, and offering prayers to Goddess Ganga. People also conduct pujas and rituals at home and visit temples dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
Ganga Saptami is celebrated with great reverence in several parts of India, especially where the river flows or its significance is deeply embedded in the local culture. Some of the key places where Ganga Saptami is celebrated include:
- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): Varanasi, one of the holiest cities for Hindus and a prominent pilgrimage site, celebrates Ganga Saptami with great enthusiasm. The Ghats of Varanasi witness elaborate rituals, aartis, and thousands of devotees taking holy dips in the Ganges.
- Haridwar (Uttarakhand): Another major pilgrimage site, Haridwar, observes Ganga Saptami with special aartis and holy baths at the Ghats. Har Ki Pauri, one of the most famous Ghats in Haridwar, becomes the center of festivities.
- Rishikesh (Uttarakhand): Known for its spiritual significance, Rishikesh celebrates the day with various religious activities, including the holy dip in the Ganges, which is believed to wash away sins.
- Patna (Bihar): In Patna, where the Ganges flows, Ganga Saptami is observed by devotees performing rituals and offering prayers at the river.
- Kolkata (West Bengal): Though primarily celebrated in places along the Ganges, Kolkata, near the delta of the river, also observes the festival with rituals and prayers.
Ganga Saptami embodies the deep reverence Hindus have for the Ganges, recognizing its purifying and life-sustaining properties. The festival underlines the importance of rivers in Indian culture and the belief in their divine origins and powers.
