Rishikesh - Ganga Havan

Special Ganga Havan is a religious Hindu ritual dedicated to Goddess Ganga. In this havan, using Ganga water, special mantras are chanted and havan samagri is offered. This ritual is mainly performed on auspicious occasions like Ganga Saptami or Ganga Dussehra. According to the Puranas, Bhagirath ji performed severe penance to bring Maa Ganga to earth so that his ancestors could get salvation. When Ganga descended to earth, Lord Shiva contained her in his matted hair and controlled her velocity. Since then Ganga is worshiped as a symbol of purity, salvation and life-giving, and the tradition of Ganga Havan started. "Special Ganga Havan" is an extremely sacred and religious havan method dedicated to Maa Ganga. This special puja is performed in Hinduism for spiritual purification, mental peace and family prosperity.

First of all, a havan kund is established at a holy place. Later, the puja starts with Ganapati Vandana and then the gods and goddesses are invoked. And especially “Ganga Stotra” and “Gayatri Mantra” are chanted. Further, herbs, ghee, Ganga water and other holy items are offered in the fire. Finally, Ganga Maa Aarti is performed and Prasad is distributed to everyone. Materials like Ganga water, Havan Kund, cow dung cakes, Havan samagri (herbs, Navgrah material), ghee, camphor, sandalwood, flowers, fruits, betel leaves, betel nuts, Aachman Patra, Kalash are required in the puja.