Ganga Saptami 2026 Date & Madhyahna Muhurat | Puja Vidhi, Jahnu Saptami Significance
Ganga Saptami 2026, also called Ganga Jayanti and Jahnu Saptami, is one of the most sacred days dedicated to Maa Ganga. Unlike Ganga Dussehra (descent of Ganga to Earth), this festival marks the rebirth of the holy river.
Observed on Vaishakha Shukla Paksha Saptami, devotees believe that worship on this day cleanses even severe sins (Mahapaap), removes Pitra Dosha, and grants peace to ancestors.
Performing Snan, Deepdan and Shiva Puja on this day brings spiritual purification and prosperity.
Ganga Saptami 2026 Date & Exact Muhurat
In 2026, Ganga Saptami falls on Thursday, 23 April 2026
Shubh Muhurat Table
| Event | Date & Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Ganga Saptami | 23 April 2026 (Thursday) |
| Saptami Tithi Begins | 03:55 AM – 23 April |
| Saptami Tithi Ends | 05:42 AM – 24 April |
| Madhyahna Muhurat | 10:58 AM – 01:36 PM |
Note: Timings are calculated for New Delhi location. Slight variation occurs city-wise.
City Wise Muhurat (India)
| City | Madhyahna Puja Time |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 10:58 AM – 01:36 PM |
| Mumbai | 11:15 AM – 01:45 PM |
| Bangalore | 10:55 AM – 01:30 PM |
| Kolkata | 10:30 AM – 01:10 PM |
Why It Is Called Jahnu Saptami (Story)
According to scriptures, when Maa Ganga descended to Earth, her powerful flow disturbed the hermitage of Sage Jahnu. In anger, the sage drank the entire river.
After prayers by King Bhagiratha and Devas, Sage Jahnu released Ganga from his ear on Vaishakha Shukla Saptami. From that moment, she became known as Jahnavi — daughter of Jahnu Rishi.
Therefore, the day is celebrated as her rebirth.
Difference Between Ganga Saptami and Ganga Dussehra
| Festival | Spiritual Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ganga Saptami | Reappearance / rebirth of Maa Ganga from Sage Jahnu |
| Ganga Dussehra | Descent of Ganga from Heaven to Earth |
Ganga Saptami Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Rituals)
1. Snan (Sacred Bath)
Wake up during Brahma Muhurat and bathe in Ganga river.
If not possible, mix Gangajal in bathing water at home.
2. Sankalp
Hold water, rice and flowers and pray for ancestor peace and removal of karmic dosha.
3. Ganga Puja
Install a Kalash or picture of Maa Ganga. Offer:
- White flowers
- Sandalwood paste
- Akshat (rice)
- Fruits
4. Deepdan
In evening, float diya in river or water body. This guides ancestors toward higher realms.
5. Shiva Puja
Since Ganga resides in Lord Shiva’s locks, worship of Shiva is essential.
Chant Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 108 times.
Ganga Saptami Mantra
Gange Cha Yamune Chaiva Godavari Saraswati
Narmade Sindhu Kaveri Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru
Meaning: O sacred rivers, reside in this water and purify my body and soul.
Zodiac Wise Daan (Charity)
| Zodiac Type | Donation |
|---|---|
| Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) | Wheat, jaggery, copper |
| Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) | Clothes, green gram, cow feeding |
| Air & Water Signs | Rice, milk, sugar, white flowers |
Spiritual Benefits of Ganga Saptami
- Removes past life sins
- Eliminates Pitra Dosha
- Grants moksha to ancestors
- Improves mental peace
- Brings prosperity and health
- Reduces planetary afflictions
Book Pandit for Ganga Puja at Home
You can perform Rudrabhishek or Ganga Pujan at home with verified Vedic priests across India.
Book here: https://www.panditjionway.com/
Call: +91 9454540200
Available in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and 30+ cities.
Authoritative References
Scriptural importance of river worship:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ganges-River
Hindu calendar calculation principles:
https://www.drikpanchang.com/
FAQ Ganga Saptami 2026 Date & Madhyahna Muhurat | Puja Vidhi, Jahnu Saptami Significance
What is Ganga Saptami?
Ganga Saptami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the rebirth of Goddess Ganga after Sage Jahnu released her from his ear. Hence it is also called Jahnu Saptami or Ganga Jayanti. Worship on this day is believed to remove sins and bring peace to ancestors.
When is Ganga Saptami in 2026?
Ganga Saptami in 2026 will be observed on Thursday, 23 April 2026.
What is the Madhyahna Muhurat for Ganga Saptami 2026?
The most auspicious puja time is during Madhyahna period:
10:58 AM to 01:36 PM (IST, New Delhi reference)
What should be done on Ganga Saptami?
Devotees should:
- Take holy bath or add Gangajal in water
- Perform Ganga Puja with flowers and Kalash
- Offer Deepdan in water
- Worship Lord Shiva
- Donate food, clothes or grains
Is bathing in River Ganga necessary?
No. If you cannot visit a river, you may mix Gangajal in bath water and perform puja at home with the same spiritual benefit.
What is the difference between Ganga Saptami and Ganga Dussehra?
Ganga Saptami marks the rebirth of Maa Ganga from Sage Jahnu, while Ganga Dussehra marks her original descent from heaven to Earth.
Which dosha gets removed on Ganga Saptami?
It is believed to reduce Pitra Dosha, past life sins and karmic obstacles.
Which mantra should be chanted on Ganga Saptami?
The most powerful mantra is:
Gange Cha Yamune Chaiva Godavari Saraswati
Narmade Sindhu Kaveri Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru
What donations are good on Ganga Saptami 2026?
Rice, milk, white flowers, jaggery, wheat, clothes and feeding cows or Brahmins are considered highly auspicious.
Can Ganga Puja be done at home?
Yes. You can perform Ganga Puja at home using Gangajal and a Kalash with the help of a Vedic priest from https://www.panditjionway.com/
What are the spiritual benefits of Ganga Saptami?
It grants purification, peace to ancestors, prosperity, health and spiritual upliftment.
What is the spiritual meaning of Ganga Saptami?
Ganga Saptami symbolizes purification of karma and rebirth of spiritual consciousness. Worshipping Maa Ganga on this day is believed to cleanse accumulated sins and help the soul progress toward moksha.
Which god should be worshipped along with Maa Ganga?
Lord Shiva must be worshipped because River Ganga flows from his matted hair (Jata). Without Shiva Puja, Ganga Puja is considered incomplete.
Can Ganga Saptami remove Pitra Dosha?
Yes. Offering water (Tarpan), Deepdan and charity on Ganga Saptami is believed to pacify ancestors and reduce Pitra Dosha effects in horoscope.
What to offer Maa Ganga on Ganga Saptami 2026?
Offer white flowers, raw milk, Gangajal, sandalwood, rice, sweets and fruits. White items represent purity and are most auspicious.
Best time to do Deepdan on Ganga Saptami 2026?
Deepdan should be performed during sunset (Sandhya Kaal). It is believed to guide ancestral souls toward higher realms.
Can fasting be done on Ganga Saptami 2026?
Yes, devotees may keep a partial or full fast and consume satvik food after evening puja. Fasting enhances spiritual merit.
What happens if Ganga Puja is not performed?
There is no negative effect, but scriptures say performing puja multiplies punya karma and helps remove past karmic burdens.
Is Ganga Saptami important for astrology remedies?
Yes. It is one of the best days to reduce Rahu, Ketu and Pitru related doshas through charity and water rituals.
Which people benefit most from Ganga Saptami 2026?
People facing:
- family problems
- repeated obstacles
- ancestral issues
- mental stress
- financial blockages
Can we do Rudrabhishek on Ganga Saptami 2026?
Yes, Rudrabhishek with Gangajal is highly auspicious and believed to give 100x spiritual merit compared to normal days.
Is Ganga Saptami good for starting new work?
Yes, especially spiritual activities, donations, temple visits and house purification rituals.
Can Ganga Jal purify home on this day?
Sprinkling Gangajal in the house removes negative energy and increases positive vibrations according to Vastu beliefs.
What should be avoided on Ganga Saptami 2026?
Avoid:
- non-vegetarian food
- alcohol
- anger or arguments
- disrespect to water bodies
Can women perform Ganga Puja?
Yes, both men and women can perform the puja equally and receive blessings.
What is the best charity on Ganga Saptami 2026?
Anna Daan (food donation) and Jal Daan (water donation) are considered the highest punya giving acts.
Conclusion
Ganga Saptami 2026 is a day of purification, gratitude and ancestral healing. Observing this sacred occasion with devotion, charity and mantra chanting helps devotees attain spiritual upliftment and divine blessings of Maa Ganga and Lord Shiva.
Performing the rituals properly with Vedic guidance enhances the spiritual outcome, especially for removing karmic obstacles and attaining peace in life.
For authentic Vedic rituals at home, you may connect with experienced priests through
https://www.panditjionway.com/
