Thousands of devotees gathered at the sacred confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers—known as the Sangam—in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Thursday to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Shravan Amavasya.
Despite recent flooding in the area, large crowds arrived from early morning, undeterred in their faith, to perform rituals, chant prayers, and make charitable offerings. According to Hindu belief, bathing in holy rivers on Shravan Amavasya purifies the soul and brings blessings from ancestors.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted generally cloudy skies for Prayagraj with intermittent rain or thundershowers, and temperatures ranging from 27°C to 35°C. Humidity levels remained high, between 70–90%.
Shravan Amavasya, which coincides this year with Hariyali Amavasya on July 24, holds special significance in Hindu tradition. The day is marked by Tarpan and Shraddha rituals performed in honor of departed ancestors, with prayers offered for their peace and blessings.
Celebrations extended across India. In Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain, devotees witnessed the traditional Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Temple. In Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi, people took a holy dip at the beach and offered prayers to their forefathers.
The ongoing Shravan month, which began on July 11 and concludes on August 9, is considered the holiest time to worship Lord Shiva. Just a day before, on Sawan Shivratri, a massive wave of devotion swept across the country.
In Varanasi, long queues of saffron-clad Kanwar pilgrims lined up to offer prayers at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Devotees also thronged temples in Baghpat, including the Shree Parshuram Pura Mahadev Mandir, to perform Abhishek rituals using holy water and milk.
Sawan Shivratri is believed to have the divine power to absolve sins and grant spiritual blessings. Devotees observe fasts, chant mantras, and visit Shiva temples during this period, deepening their devotion through prayer and penance.
The twin observances of Shravan Amavasya and Sawan Shivratri this week have reinforced the spiritual vibrancy and cultural continuity of Hindu traditions across India.
