Ganga Sagar Snan 2020 is on January 15 Wednesday. Ganga Sagar Snan is a significant gathering of the Hindu pilgrims during the auspicious time of ‘Makar Sankranti. It is an annual observance at the Sagar Island or ‘Sagardweep’ in the state of West Bengal. Hindu devotees in thousands gather at this place to take a holy dip in Ganga River.
This festival generally gains popularity in the culturally rich state of Bengal. It is only done during Makar Sankranti (an astrological event that marks the transition of Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn Zodiac sign) and falls on the 14th of January, every year.
Important Timings On Ganga Sagar Snan:
Sunrise: January 15, 2020, 7:14 AM
Sunset: January 15, 2020 5:57 PM
Makar Sankranti Time: January 15, 2020, 2:14 AM
Auspicious Time To Take Holy Dip: January 15, 5:38 AM – January 15, 7:14 AM
Significance of Ganga Sagar Snan:
Ganga Sagar Snan is one of the most important annual events for people of the Hindu community. This day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Ganga and Sun God. The observance of Ganga Sagar Snan on the day of Makar Sankranti holds very special relevance.
Makar Sankranti is an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar that is dedicated to worshipping Lord Surya. Sun transits to Capricorn from Sagittarius during this time and it marks the beginning of the good times in the Hindu culture when all auspicious activities can be performed.
Rituals during Ganga Sagar Snan:
- Hindu devotees gather at around 3 am on the day of Ganga Sagar Snan to perform the worshipping ceremony of legendary Kapil Muni. Kapila puja is first completed and then, the Yagna and Maha Puja are performed.
- On the day of Ganga Sagar Snan, devotees get up early to take the holy dip at the time of sunrise. They offer ‘arghya’ to the rising Sun and offer prayers to Sun God. While taking the holy dip, devotees express their gratitude towards Goddess Ganga and pray for her divine blessings.
- Devotees also keep a strict fast on the day of Ganga Sagar Snan and abstain from eating or drinking anything till the time of completion of puja rituals.
- After completing the Ganga Snan rituals, devotees also visit the Kapilmuni Temple, located nearby. It is a unique and one-of-its-kind temple in India that is dedicated to Saint Kapil.
