Ganga Jayanti Date, Time, Story, Celebrations – GHdays.in
Ganga Jayanti, also known as Ganga Saptami, is a significant Hindu celebration that honors the revered Goddess Ganga, also called Maa Ganga. This auspicious day symbolizes the reincarnation of Ganga on Earth. Devotees from far and wide gather at sacred locations such as Rishikesh in Uttarakhand and Triveni Sangam in Allahabad to offer prayers and immerse themselves in the purifying waters of the Ganga. The festivities include the enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony, the offering of lamps to the river, and vibrant fairs that add to the spiritual ambiance of the occasion.
On this auspicious day, devotees gather at the banks of the holy river Ganga to offer prayers and perform rituals. It is believed that on this day, the heavenly waters of Ganga descended onto Earth in order to purify mankind and wash away their sins.
As per Hindu mythology, it is also said that Goddess Ganga was brought down to Earth by Lord Shiva’s matted hair. Therefore, this day holds great significance for followers of Lord Shiva as well. The celebrations usually include special puja ceremonies, traditional dances and feasts enjoyed with family and friends.
People from all over India come together to take a dip in the sacred waters of Ganges in order to seek blessings from Mother Ganga. It is considered highly auspicious and it is believed that taking a dip during this time can cleanse one’s soul and bring prosperity into their lives. This festival also marks the beginning of Chaitra Navratri which falls nine days before Ram Navami – another important Hindu festival.
Ganga Jayanti Date 2025: 3rd May, Saturday
Ganga Jayanti Date 2025 in India
Goddess Ganga Jayanti Date 2025 Overview
| Name | Goddess Ganga |
| Meaning | Goddess of Forgiveness and Purification |
| Also Known as | Bhagirathi, Shivapriya, Jahnavi, Nikita, Mandakini |
| Affiliation | Devi, River goddess, Yogini |
| Mantra | Om Sri Gangaya Namaha |
| Weapon | Kalasha |
| Related Topic | Click here |
Ganga Jayanti Date 2025 Puja Timings
Ganga Jayanti Date and Time 2025: Ganga Saptami, a significant Hindu festival honoring the Goddess Ganga, is set to take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The auspicious Madhyahna Muhurat, a time interval known for its spiritual significance, will be observed from 11:18 to 13:53, lasting for a duration of 2 hours and 34 minutes. Following this, Ganga Dussehra, another important celebration dedicated to the river Ganga, is scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025. The Saptami Tithi, or the seventh day in the lunar cycle, begins at 07:51 on May 03, 2025, and concludes at 07:18 on May 04, 2025. Both of these festivals hold deep cultural and religious significance for devotees, providing opportunities for prayer, reflection, and celebration.
Upcoming Ganga Jayanti Dates
| Ganga Jayanti Date 2023 | Thursday, April 27 |
| Ganga Jayanti Date 2024 | Tuesday, May 14 |
| Ganga Jayanti Date 2025 | Saturday, May 03 |
| Ganga Jayanti Date 2026 | Thursday, April 23 |
| Ganga Jayanti Date 2027 | Wednesday, May 12 |
| Ganga Jayanti Date 2028 | Monday, May 01 |
| Ganga Jayanti Date 2029 | Sunday, May 20 |
Significance of Ganga Saptami
Ganga Saptami is celebrated on the seventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Vaishakha. This auspicious day marks the descent of river Ganges from heaven to earth. It is believed that bathing in Ganga on this day washes away all sins and brings good fortune.
On this day, people gather at various ghats along the banks of Ganga to perform puja and offer prayers. The water level in Ganga rises due to increased flow from Himalayas, making it easier for pilgrims to take a dip and cleanse their soul.
Devotees also light diyas (lamps) or floating candles on banana leaves and let them float away in the river as an offering to Goddess Ganga. Special feasts are prepared with traditional dishes like puri-kheer being served as prasad.
As per Hindu mythology, King Bhagiratha meditated for years to bring down river Ganga on earth and end a drought which was causing suffering among his people. Hence, this festival holds great significance not only from a religious perspective but also symbolizes perseverance and devotion towards one’s goals.
In some regions, processions carrying idols or images of Goddess Ganga are taken out through city streets amidst singing devotional songs. People also donate food, clothes and money to those in need as acts of kindness during this holy occasion.
When is Ganga Saptami 2025?
Ganga Saptami, in accordance with the Hindu calendar, is honored on the seventh day (known as saptami tithi) during the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Vaisakh. Corresponding to the Gregorian calendar, this auspicious day occurs in the month of May. The celebration of this day is marked with great enthusiasm, particularly in sacred destinations such as Prayag, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Varanasi.
Rituals of Ganga Jayanti
On the day of Ganga Saptami, devotees wake up before sunrise and take a dip in the holy waters of River Ganges. After the bath, they perform various rituals to honor Goddess Ganga. These rituals include reciting prayers and mantras while offering flowers, fruits, and sweets to the river. Some people also light lamps and incense sticks near the riverbank as a mark of respect.
Once the rituals are completed, many devotees participate in a special puja ceremony organized by temple priests. This is followed by feasting on traditional delicacies with friends and family members. Many people also make charitable donations or volunteer at local organizations as an act of gratitude towards Goddess Ganga’s blessings. The entire atmosphere during this festival is filled with devotion, positivity, and reverence for Mother Ganges- considered one of the holiest rivers in India.
Story of Ganga Saptami
The birth of Ganga Saptami is celebrated by Hindus to commemorate the day when the holy river Ganges descended from heaven. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Ganga appeared in her physical form on earth in response to the prayers and penance of Sage Bhagiratha.
Legend has it that King Sagara’s 60,000 sons were turned to ash by sage Kapila’s curse, but their souls could not find peace until they were bathed in the waters of the Ganges. In order to bring salvation to his ancestors, King Bhagiratha meditated for several years and eventually received a boon from Brahma allowing him to bring down Goddess Ganga.
On this auspicious day, devotees take a dip in the sacred river and offer prayers and offerings such as flowers and fruits. The banks of the river are lit up with thousands of diyas (lamps) as people perform holy rituals and seek blessings from Mother Ganga. The celebration also includes vibrant processions with idols or images of Goddess Ganga being carried around town. People also exchange gifts and feast together as a community during this festival. This day holds great significance for Hindus and serves as a reminder of faith, devotion, perseverance, and ultimately attaining liberation through selfless actions.
Celebration of Ganga Saptami
On this day, people also perform rituals and offer prayers to Goddess Ganga. Devotees take holy dips in the Ganges river and also give donations. It is believed that on this auspicious day, the river becomes even more sacred and has healing powers. The story behind Ganga Saptami dates back to ancient Hindu mythology, where it is said that Goddess Ganga descended from heaven onto Earth on this day in order to cleanse the sins of mankind with her purifying waters. As per tradition, women are especially encouraged to fast and pray for a happy and prosperous life on Ganga Saptami.
Many temples dedicated to Goddess Ganga are decorated with flowers and lights as a mark of festivities. Special puja ceremonies are held at these temples along with cultural events such as songs, dances, and dramas depicting the legend of her descent. People gather at the banks of rivers or lakes to pay their respects while many others organize community feasts known as ‘Gangajal Bhoj’. This festival holds great significance for devout Hindus all over India who believe that worshipping Goddess Ganga can bring blessings of purification, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment into their lives.
Furthermore, some people celebrate Ganga Saptami by flying kites or releasing floating lanterns into rivers signifying light overcoming darkness – another representation of how goddess brought salvation onto earth through her pure waters. In several parts of India like Rishikesh and Haridwar, grand processions called ‘Ghat Yatras’ take place which involve carrying idols or images of Goddess Jalavatarini (the Water Incarnation), representing different forms she took during her descent. Overall,Ganga Saptami not only celebrates an important aspect of Hindu mythology but also promotes conservation efforts towards safeguarding our precious water bodies across the nation.
Happy Ganga Jayanti 2025 Wishes
- Warmest greetings to you and your loved ones on this sacred occasion of Ganga Saptami! May the celestial essence of Mother Ganga’s waters cleanse your spirit and usher in abundance and contentment into your existence.
- Let the sanctified currents of the Ganges purify your inner being, mind, and body. Embrace this propitious moment of Ganga Saptami with open arms, as the divine grace of Mother Ganga inundates your world with delight, serenity, and prosperity.
- Allow the pristine waters of the revered river Ganga to ignite a flame of integrity and benevolence within you.
- Wishing you and your dear ones a joyous and prosperous Ganga Saptami celebration, filled with the benevolent blessings of Mother Ganga’s descent.