BY MONEYCONTROL NEWS MAY 20, 2024
Taking a dip in the sacred river Ganga on Ganga Saptami is believed to purify the soul and wash away all sins. Devotees across different ghats participate in this ritual early in the morning.
Devotees who cannot visit the Ganges can perform a special puja at home. This involves setting up an altar with a photo or idol of Goddess Ganga, offering flowers, incense, and specially prepared foods.
It is considered auspicious to engage in charitable activities on this day. This can include feeding the poor, donating clothes, or contributing to the maintenance of river ghats.
Participating in the Ganga Aarti at sunset is a mesmerizing experience. The aarti takes place at several ghats along the river and involves prayers, songs, and the waving of lamps in honor of the river goddess.
The recitation of the Ganga Sahasranamam, which lists a thousand names of the goddess, is a spiritual activity that many devotees undertake. It is believed to bring blessings and a deeper connection with the deity.
In the evening, devotees release small lamps on the river. These floating lamps, usually made of biodegradable materials, symbolize the removal of darkness and ignorance.