Ganga Saptami is considered one of the most auspicious days in Hinduism. This day is also known as Ganga Jayanti. According to the Hindu calendar, Ganga Saptami is celebrated on the seventh tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Baisakh. Ganga Saptami is celebrated with great enthusiasm in North India. In Hinduism, the Ganges River is a sacred river. Who is worshiped as a goddess. The seventh tithi of Shuklapaksha month of Boishakh is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It is also known as Jahnu Saptami.
Ganga Saptami 2024: Date and Time: This year, Ganga Saptami will be celebrated on May 14, 2024. Important timings are: Ganga Saptami Midday Moment – 11:26 AM to 2:19 PM. Duration – 02 Hours 53 Minutes, Saptami Thithi Starts – May 13, 2024 at 05:20 PM, Saptami Thithi Ends – May 14, 2024 at 06:49 PM.
Ganga Saptami 2024 Significance: Ganga Saptami has significance among Hindus. Ganga is considered as one of the most sacred rivers. Goddess Ganga is called by many names like Shubhra, Ganga Bhagirathi and Vishnupadi. Vishnupadi was named because she first emerged from Lord Vishnu’s feet. It is believed that the water of Ganga has the power to cure people from any disease. Devotees who take a holy bath in the river Ganga are absolved of their past sins. Ganga water protects from negativity and it purifies the body and soul. Devotees use Ganga water to consecrate Shivalinga. Ganges water is used to immerse the ashes of dead people so that they can get rid of them.
Ganga Saptami 2024: According to Hindu scriptures, on the day of Ganga Dussehra, Goddess Ganga first descended to earth, but sage Jahnu drank all the Ganges water. Then all the gods and Bhagiratha requested Rishi Jahnu to release Ganga. Then on the day of Ganga Saptami, Goddess Ganga again comes to earth so this day is also called Jahnu Saptami.
Another story related to Ganga Saptami is that once King Bhagiratha of Kosala suffered because his ancestors were suffering from the sin of bad deeds. Bhagiratha wanted to free them from this, so he performed severe penance to Lord Brahma, and Lord Brahma assured him that Ganga would come to earth, purifying the souls of his ancestors. But he knew that the flow of Goddess Ganga can destroy everything, so Brahmaji asked Bhagirath to worship Lord Shiva as only He can control the flow of Ganga. So he pleased Lord Shiva with his severe penance and on this auspicious day Goddess Ganga descended to earth, hence known as Ganga Bhagirathi.
Bathing in the Ganges on Ganga Saptami followed by puja
On the day of Ganga Saptami wake up on Brahma Muhurta after doing all the daily tasks and bathe in the river Ganga and if bathing in the river is not possible then mix Ganga water in the bath water.
Offerings should be made to the Sun God while bathing in the river Ganges.
After surya arghya, meditate on Lord Shiva and chant his mantras.
Then take a dip in the river to the best of your ability chanting Har Har Ganga.
If possible, do three dives. It leads to the attainment of eternal virtue.
Offer milk to Mother Ganga. Then offer incense, lamps, offerings etc. to Mother Ganga.
Offer garlands of marigolds to Mother Ganga.
Stand in the river and chant the mantra of Mother Ganga.
Also recite Ganga Stotra and pray to Mother Ganga.
Offer white colored sweets or other food items to Mother Ganga.
Do Aarti to Mother Ganga and donate according to your ability.