Haridwar: Today, on 12 February, Magh Purnima, a huge crowd of devotees gathered at Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri to take a holy dip in the Ganga. It is believed that bathing in the Ganga on this day washes away all sins and grants blessings. This day marks the last day of ‘Snan’ in Hindu Magh month.
Devotees performed special prayers and chanted “Om Vishnuve Namah” to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. After bathing and offering tarpan (a ritual to honor ancestors), it is considered auspicious to donate food and clothes for the happiness of ancestors. Donating white clothes, in particular, is believed to bring blessings from ancestors and provide relief from Pitra Dosha (ancestral curses).
Faith and rituals at Haridwar
On the occasion of Magh Purnima, the devotees’ faith was evident as they gathered in large numbers during the Brahma Muhurt (early morning) to take a holy dip in the Ganga. Magh Purnima Ganga bath is considered especially fruitful, providing salvation and fulfilling all wishes. Devotees traveled from far and wide to participate in the sacred bath at Har Ki Pauri and other Ganga banks.
Gods and goddesses are believed to descend to earth to bathe in the Ganga
A priest on Har-Ki-Pauri, Pandit Manoj Tripathi explained that during the month of Magh, gods and goddesses are believed to descend to earth to bathe in the Ganga, making the bath even more significant. Bathing in the Ganga on Magh Purnima is said to fulfill all wishes and bring the blessings of ancestors.
Devotees’ experience
Devotees expressed that bathing in the Ganga on Purnima brings punyas, which is why they came to Haridwar. From early morning, devotees performed puja (prayer rituals) and took holy baths at various ghats, including Har Ki Pauri Brahmakund. According to scriptures, bathing in the Ganga on Magh Purnima destroys all sins and grants salvation.
Security arrangements
To ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims, the police were on high alert for the Magh Purnima bath, preventing any issues and ensuring the safety of the devotees.
