A holy rite in which families offer pindas to honour departed loved ones and ancestors, performed with care by experienced Pandits in Kashi, by the Ganga.
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Goddess Ganga
Ganga Puja
Worship of Maa Ganga on the ghats of Varanasi, with sankalp, offerings, deep daan and aarti, traditionally performed on Ganga Dussehra and family occasions.
In-person Online available45 minutes to 1.5 hoursAlso: Ganga PujanAlso: Ganga Maiya Puja
Overview
What is Ganga Puja?
Ganga Puja is the worship of Goddess Ganga, honoured as a mother who purifies and gives life. In Varanasi, where the river turns north along the ghats, Ganga Puja is part of daily life, and families come from across the world to offer prayers on her banks.
The puja is performed at a ghat with a sankalp in the family's name, followed by offerings of flowers, milk, a chunri and lamps to the river, and ends with deep daan, the floating of small leaf lamps on the water. Many families combine it with a holy dip, with rituals for ancestors, or with watching the evening Ganga Aarti.
It is especially popular on Ganga Dussehra, Ganga Saptami, Kartik Purnima and Makar Sankranti, and on personal occasions such as a wedding anniversary, a birthday or the fulfilment of a vow.
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
Vakratuṇḍa mahākāya sūryakoṭi samaprabha, nirvighnaṁ kuru me deva sarvakāryeṣu sarvadā.
Significance
The Puranas tell how King Bhagiratha performed long penance to bring Ganga down from the heavens to liberate his ancestors, and how Lord Shiva received her in his matted locks to soften her descent. Ganga Dussehra celebrates the day of her descent to earth.
Ganga is honoured in Hindu tradition as the river that purifies, and her water is kept in homes for every ritual.
Who performs it
- Families visiting Varanasi who wish to offer prayers to Maa Ganga
- Devotees observing Ganga Dussehra or Ganga Saptami
- Families marking a milestone, anniversary or fulfilled vow
- Those combining a pilgrimage with rituals for ancestors
When to perform
- Ganga Dussehra, on Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami
- Ganga Saptami, on Vaishakh Shukla Saptami
- Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali
- Makar Sankranti and other snan parvas
- At sunrise or before the evening aarti on the day of your visit
Traditionally associated with
- Traditionally performed to seek the blessings of Maa Ganga for the family
- Devotees associate Ganga's worship with purification and peace
- A memorable way to mark a visit to Kashi or a family milestone
- Deep daan on the river is a moving shared moment for the whole family
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
How the puja is performed
- 1
Arrival at the ghat
The Pandit meets the family at a suitable ghat and sets up a small altar near the water.
- 2
Sankalp
A sankalp is taken in the family's name, gotra and intention, with Ganga jal in the palm.
- 3
Ganga Pujan
Maa Ganga is worshipped with flowers, kumkum, milk, a chunri and other offerings made to the river.
- 4
Stotra path
The Ganga Ashtakam or Ganga stotras are recited on the banks of the river.
- 5
Deep daan and aarti
Leaf lamps with flowers are floated on the river and a short aarti is performed by the family.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Flowers and a garland
- A chunri for Maa Ganga
- Milk and Ganga jal kalash
- Kumkum, haldi and akshat
- Leaf lamps (diyas) for deep daan
- Ghee, cotton wicks and camphor
- Sweets and fruits for naivedya
- Incense sticks
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
What's included
Usually included
- Experienced Varanasi Pandit for the Ganga Puja
- Sankalp in your family's name and gotra
- Guidance on the ghat, timing and samagri
- Ganga Pujan, stotra path and deep daan
- Help choosing a suitable date and time
Not included
- Samagri, unless arranged on request
- Boat hire for aarti viewing unless arranged in advance
- Hotel and local transport
- Separate rituals for ancestors, which are booked on their own
- Dakshina customs, which vary by family and are discussed openly
Duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
In-person puja
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
Online puja
- · Share your name, gotra and intention on WhatsApp
- · The Pandit performs the sankalp and Ganga Puja on the ghat in your name
- · Join live on a video call as the lamps are floated on the river
Available in
More cities are coming soon.
Ganga Puja across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Ganga Pooja
- Spelling variant
- Gangaji ki Puja
- Hindi
- Maa Ganga Pujan
- Hindi
- Ganga Dussehra Pujan
- Hindi
- Gange Pooja
- Telugu
- Ganga Aarti Puja
- Hindi
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Ganga Puja FAQs
Which ghat is best for Ganga Puja in Varanasi?
Many families choose Dashashwamedh, Assi or a quieter ghat nearby. We suggest a ghat based on your timing, the size of your group and whether you want to see the evening aarti.
Can I do Ganga Puja on the day I arrive in Varanasi?
Often yes. Share your arrival time on WhatsApp and we confirm a Pandit for sunrise or the evening.
Can Ganga Puja be done on my behalf if I cannot travel?
Yes. The Pandit performs the sankalp and puja on the ghat in your name while you join by video call.
How much does Ganga Puja cost?
It depends on the ghat, timing and samagri. Share your details on WhatsApp and we will get you a clear quote.
Related
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शुभं भवतु
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Share your preferred date, location and family customs on WhatsApp. We'll confirm Pandit availability and pricing before you book.