Ganga Pushkaralu 2026

Full Date

22 April 2026 Morning 6:48 AM – 3 May 2026 Evening 7:00 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Adi Pushkaram Begins

  The first 12 days after Jupiter enters Aries mark the beginning of Ganga Pushkaralu and are most auspicious for bathing and prayers.

  22 April 2026 Morning 6:48 AM – 3 May 2026 6:00 PM

• Antya Pushkaram

  The concluding days of Ganga Pushkaralu are marked with mass rituals, charity events, and evening aartis along riverbanks.

  1 May 2026 Morning 8:00 AM – 3 May 2026 Evening 7:00 PM

Introduction

Ganga Pushkaralu is a 12-day sacred festival observed once every 12 years, celebrating the divine river Ganga when Jupiter enters Aries (Mesha Rashi). The festival attracts devotees to take holy baths in Ganga, perform rituals for ancestors, and seek blessings for purity, prosperity, and liberation.

Other Names

Ganga Pushkaram, Ganga Pushkara Mahotsav, Pushkaralu Festival

Pooja Vidhi

• Wake up at Brahma Muhurat and take a purifying bath.
• Set up a small altar facing the river or east direction.
• Offer water, flowers, Tulsi leaves, and incense to River Ganga.
• Recite the Ganga Ashtakam or Ganga Sahasranama for blessings.
• Donate food, clothing, or water to the needy at the end of rituals.

Rituals

• Take a holy dip in the Ganga during sunrise, especially at Kashi, Prayagraj, or Haridwar.
• Offer Arghya to Surya Dev and perform Tarpan for ancestors on riverbanks.
• Chant Ganga Stotram, Vishnu Sahasranama, and perform Rudrabhishek.
• Light diyas and flow them in the river as a mark of devotion.
• Distribute food (Annadanam) and perform charity acts for spiritual merit.

Regional Highlights

• Major celebrations will take place at Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Haridwar with massive arrangements for pilgrims.
• In Uttarakhand, Ganga aartis at Rishikesh and Har Ki Pauri draw lakhs of devotees daily.
• In Bihar and West Bengal, rituals are held along riverbanks like Sultanganj and Gangasagar.
• South Indian devotees, especially from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, visit Ganga ghats as part of spiritual pilgrimages.

History

According to ancient belief, Pushkar, a devoted sage blessed by Lord Shiva, was given the power to sanctify rivers. Whenever Jupiter transitions into a new zodiac sign, Pushkar enters the corresponding sacred river, making its waters spiritually potent. Thus, Ganga Pushkaralu celebrates the sanctification of River Ganga as Jupiter enters Aries.

Additional Information

• Ganga Pushkaralu is celebrated once every 12 years, symbolizing the cyclical purification of nature and soul.
• Spiritual merit is said to multiply manifold during the first and last Pushkaram days.
• This festival promotes environmental awareness and the sanctity of rivers in Indian culture.