Ganga Pushkaram is a holy festival celebrated by Hindus once every 12 years when the planet Jupiter enters the zodiac sign of Scorpio. The festival is held on the banks of the River Ganges or Ganga, as it is called in India. During this time, people from all over India come to take a dip in the river, as it is believed to wash away their sins and purify their souls. In this blog post, we will delve into the history, significance, and rituals of Ganga Pushkaram.
History of Ganga Pushkaram
The origins of Ganga Pushkaram can be traced back to the ancient Hindu scriptures. According to these texts, the River Ganga is considered to be the most sacred river in India. It is believed to have descended from heaven to earth to purify the souls of human beings. The festival of Ganga Pushkaram is celebrated to honor the river and to seek its blessings.
The first recorded Ganga Pushkaram was held in the year 1398 CE. It was during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire in South India. The festival was organized by the emperor to promote the Hindu religion and to bring people together. Since then, the festival has been celebrated every 12 years with great pomp and splendor.
Significance of Ganga Pushkaram
Ganga Pushkaram is considered to be a very auspicious time in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that during this time, the river Ganga is filled with divine energy and its water becomes even more purifying than usual. Taking a dip in the river during this time is believed to wash away one’s sins and purify their soul.
In addition to this, Ganga Pushkaram is also considered to be a time of spiritual renewal. People come from all over India to take part in the festival and to seek the blessings of the river Ganga. It is a time when people reflect on their lives and try to make positive changes.
Rituals of Ganga Pushkaram
The main ritual of Ganga Pushkaram is taking a dip in the river Ganga. People believe that by doing this, they can purify their souls and wash away their sins. The ritual is performed at various ghats or bathing places along the river. Some of the most famous ghats include the Varanasi ghat, Haridwar ghat, and Allahabad ghat.
In addition to taking a dip in the river, people also perform various other rituals during Ganga Pushkaram. These include performing puja or worship of the river Ganga, offering prayers to the gods and goddesses, and donating money or food to the poor.
Ganga Pushkaram is a very important festival in the Hindu calendar. It is a time when people come together to seek the blessings of the river Ganga and to purify their souls. The festival has a rich history and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. It is a time when people reflect on their lives and try to make positive changes. Ganga Pushkaram is truly a unique and special festival that embodies the spirit of Hinduism.