What is the story about?
In Hinduism, the festival of Ganga Saptami has great sacred importance. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Ganga descended to Earth. Bathing in the Ganga River
and offering prayers on this day is said to cleanse a person of sins and bring peace to the ancestors.
When is Ganga Saptami in 2026?
In 2026, the timings for Ganga Saptami are as follows:Saptami Tithi begins: 22 April at 10:50 pm
Saptami Tithi ends: 23 April at 8:50 pm
According to the Udaya Tithi, Ganga Saptami will be celebrated on 23 April 2026.
Importance and Story of Ganga Saptami
According to Hindu mythology, Ganga descended to Earth on Ganga Dussehra day. When the mighty Ganga descended to Earth, Lord Shiva took her in his hair to control her descent and prevent her from washing away the entire Earth. Later, Lord Shiva released Ganga so that she could accomplish her mission of purifying the cursed souls of Bhagiratha’s ancestors, states Drik Panchang.It also adds, "While on her way to the kingdom of Bhagiratha, her mighty flow and gushing turbulent water destroyed the ashram of Sage Jahnu. This angered Sage Jahnu and he drank all of Ganga's water. Upon this, Bhagiratha and the gods prayed to Rishi Jahnu to release Ganga so that she could proceed on her mission. Pleased with the prayers, Jahnu released Ganga from his ear."
Bathing in the Ganga on this day is believed to free a person from sins. People perform tarpan rituals for the peace of their ancestors. It is also believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and the removal of negative energies from life.
Puja Rituals for Ganga Saptami
The puja on this day can be performed in a simple way:- Wake up early in the morning and take a bath in the Ganga. If that is not possible, mix Ganga water in your bathing water at home
- Fill a copper vessel with water, mix Ganga water in it, and offer it to the Sun
- Sit in a temple or clean place and meditate on Goddess Ganga
- Chant this mantra: Om Namo Gangayai Vishwaroopini Narayani Namo Namah
- Donate fruits or clothes to the poor and needy
Religious Belief
Ganga Saptami is also known as Ganga Jayanti or "Jahnu Saptami." It is believed that bathing, charity, and worship performed on this day help a person overcome life’s difficulties and pave the way towards liberation.Ganga Saptami, an Important Day for Pitru Dosha
From a religious point of view, this day is considered auspicious for the salvation of ancestors. It is believed that taking a bath in the Ganga on this day and offering tarpan and donations brings peace to the departed souls and helps one address pitru dosha/pitra dosh (ancestral karmic imbalance).On Ganga Saptami, the birth anniversary of Goddess Ganga is especially celebrated in Haridwar. A grand procession of Goddess Ganga is taken out amid drums and festivities. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Ganga on this day frees a person from all sins and fulfils all their wishes.
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
