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Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of Columbus, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
Ganga Saptami day is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. This day is also known as Ganga Pujan and Ganga Jayanti as Ganga was reborn on this day.
According to Hindu Mythology Ganga was descended to the Earth on Ganga Dussehra day. When mighty Ganga was descended to the Earth, Lord Shiva took her in His hairs to break Ganga's descent to avoid Ganga sweeping the whole Earth away. Later Lord Shiva released Ganga so that she can accomplish her mission to purge the cursed souls of Bhagiratha's ancestors.
While on her way to kingdom of Bhagiratha, her mighty flow and gushing turbulent water destroyed the Ashram of sage Jahnu. This angered Sage Jahnu and he drank up all of Ganga's water. Upon this, Bhagiratha and the Gods prayed to Rishi Jahnu to release Ganga so that she could proceed on her mission. Pleased with prayers Jahnu released Ganga from his ear.
According to legends Jahnu Rishi released Ganga from his ear on Saptami of Vaishakha Shukla Paksha. Because of this legend this day is also known as Jahnu Saptami. Ganga is also known as Jahnavi, the daughter of Rishi Jahnu.
On Ganga Saptami devotees worship Goddess Ganga and take bath in Ganges. Taking bath in Ganges on Ganga Saptami day is considered highly auspicious.
On the day of Vijayadashami, Lord Shri Rama killed Demon Ravana and Goddess Durga killed the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Therefore, this day is celebrated as the victory of Dharma over Adharma. On the occasion of Vijayadashami, rituals like Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja, Simollanghana etc. are performed.
The day of the incarnation of Ganga on earth, who removes the sins of the living beings around the world, is known as Ganga Dussehra. King Bhagirath had performed severe penance for the salvation of his ancestors and invited Gangaji to flow from heaven to earth. Ganga Dussehra is a very important festival for Hindus.
'Om Jai Gange Mata' is a popular Aarti which is sung daily during Aarti on the banks of Gangaji. This Aarti is sung to please Gangaji.
Ganga Chalisa is an emotional prayer written in 40 verses. Reading it increases the feeling of devotion and gratitude towards Mother Ganga. According to Hindu religion, bathing in Ganga destroys even the biggest sins.
