Looking for a comprehensive guide on 2023 Ganga Pushkaralu/Pushkar Snan? Look no further! This article provides all the details you need, including the dates, timings, and bathing muhurtham for the festival.
India is a land of diverse cultures and religions, and its people celebrate a multitude of festivals to connect with the divine. One of the most significant religious celebrations in India is the Pushkaram, an annual festival held in one of the 12 most important rivers of the country. Ganga Pushkaralu is a grand celebration held every 12 years in the Ganga River, where millions of devotees come to take a dip in the holy waters and seek blessings from the divine. In this article, we will explore the significance of Ganga Pushkaralu, the dates and timings for the upcoming festival, and the rituals observed by devotees.
Pushkaram is a Sanskrit term that means “worship of rivers.” The festival is celebrated every 12 years in each of the 12 major rivers of India, and it lasts for 12 days. During the festival, devotees take a holy dip in the river to wash away their sins and seek the blessings of the river goddess.
Ganga Pushkaralu is a grand celebration of the Ganga River, which is considered the holiest river in India. The festival marks the entry of Jupiter into Aries and is celebrated every 12 years. The festival lasts for 12 days, and devotees come from all over India and beyond to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga River.
Dates and Timings for 2023 Ganga Pushkaralu
Ganga Pushkaralu 2023 will be celebrated from 22nd April to 3rd May. The first day is known as the “Adhi Pushkaram,” and the last day is known as the “Anthya Pushkaram.” Devotees can choose any day within these 12 days to take a dip in the river and seek blessings from the divine.
It begins on Vaishakh Shukla Dwitiya, which falls on a Saturday and concludes on Vaishakh Shukla Trayodashi, according to the Chandramana Amavasyant and Purnimant calendars. The festival is celebrated at various locations along the river Ganges, including Gangotri, Gangasagar, Haridwar, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Varanasi (Kashi), and Allahabad (Sangam Prayag).
The festival commences when Pushkara Raju (the King of Pushkaras) and Brihaspathi (Guru – Jupiter) enter Ashwini Nakshatra Mesha Rashi. This period is believed to be the most auspicious among all Pushkarams.
In Varanasi, there are 64 snan ghats (bathing ghats) for devotees to take a dip in the holy waters during Ganga Pushkara snan (bath). Among them, the Manikarnika Ghat is considered the most important.
Performing yearly Pinda daan, Pitru Tharpan, and many other pithru karmas (ancestor rituals) during the Pushkar time is highly meritorious, according to the shruthi “Brahma Vishnuscha rudrascha indradya sarva devataa pitharo rusha yasstchiava thatraiva nivasanti hee”.
Pooja Ceremonies During Ganga Pushkaralu
Ganga Pushkaralu is not only a festival for taking a dip in the holy river but also a time for performing various pooja ceremonies. During this auspicious period, devotees perform poojas and rituals to pay homage to their ancestors and seek their blessings.
1) Ganga Pooja
The belief is that during the Krishna Pushkaralu, 12 holy rivers are divinely merged with the River Krishna. This pooja is performed to appease all the deities and seek blessings from all the rivers.
2) Pindapradanam
During this ritual, devotees offer leaves containing offerings to their 34 deceased relatives and set them afloat in the water. It is believed that this pooja helps to release the souls of their departed relatives and enable them to attain salvation.
3) Mahasankalpam
The Mahasankalpam Pooja, performed by priests, is intended to help devotees rid themselves of bad karma and sins.
4) Gouri Pooja
The Gouri Pooja, also known as Kumkumarchana, is performed at the banks of holy rivers to appease the Goddess Gouri and seek her blessings.
5) Laghusankalpam
During this pooja, pilgrims dip in the bathing ghats and recite the names and gotras of their deities. This ritual is performed to seek favor from their deities.
6) Sariganga Snanam
Performing this Pooja is believed to bless pilgrims with good children and improve their relationships with their spouses.
7) Prayaschittam
According to Hindu legends, Prayaschittam is a ritual in which men and women confess their mistakes and ask for forgiveness to atone for their sins.
8) Musivayanam
This Pooja involves gifting the husband of a deceased wife to help attain salvation for her soul.
2023 Ganga Pushkaram Places List
List of Places Hosting Ganga Pushkaralu Celebrations in 2023
- Haridwar, Uttarakhand
- Badrinath, Uttarakhand
- Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
- Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Gangotri, Uttarakhand
- Gangaasagar, West Bengal
- Varanasi (Kasi), Uttar Pradesh
Rituals Observed by Devotees during Ganga Pushkaralu
During Ganga Pushkaralu, devotees observe various rituals to connect with the divine and seek blessings. Some of the significant rituals observed during the festival include:
- Taking a holy dip in the Ganga River: Devotees believe that taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga River can wash away their sins and purify their souls. They also believe that the Ganga River possesses sacred powers that can heal the body and cleanse the soul.
- Performing puja and aarti: Devotees offer prayers and perform aarti to the river goddess to seek her blessings.
- Offering food and charity: Devotees offer food and donate to the poor and needy as a part of their religious duty.
- Reading religious books and chanting mantras: Devotees read religious books and chant mantras to connect with the divine and improve their spirituality.
Do’s of a Pushkar Snan
- Take a bath before entering the holy waters of Pushkar Lake
- Offer prayers to Lord Brahma before taking a bath
- Wear clean clothes
- Respect the sentiments of other devotees
- Dispose of trash properly
Don’ts of a Pushkar Snan
- Do not enter the holy waters of Pushkar Lake under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Do not wear revealing or inappropriate clothing
- Do not disturb the peace and tranquility of the place
- Do not litter or throw trash in the lake or on the ghats (steps leading to the lake)
The spiritual benefits of Pushkar Snan in Ganga River
- Purification of the soul: Taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga River is believed to purify the soul and wash away all sins.
- Blessings of the Gods: The Ganga River is considered to be the abode of many Hindu Gods and Goddesses, and taking a dip in its waters is believed to bring their blessings.
- Liberation from the cycle of birth and death: It is believed that taking a dip in the Ganga River can help one attain Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
The scientific benefits of Pushkar Snan in Ganga River
- Antibacterial properties: The waters of the Ganga River are believed to have antibacterial properties, which can help prevent infections and heal wounds.
- Mineral content: The Ganga River is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can help improve bone and muscle health.
- Stress relief: Taking a dip in the Ganga River is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
