Category: Festivals of haridwar

Somwati Amavasya

Feb. 28 Festivals of haridwar no comments

Somvati Amavasya – Somvathi Amavas

Somvati Amavasi, or Somavati Amavasya, is no moon day that falls on a Monday (Somvar) in traditional Hindu calendar. It is considered a highly auspicious day and millions of people take a holy dip in sacred Rivers like Ganga and Yamuna on the day. Married men and women also perform different pujas and rituals and also undertake Somavara Amavasya Vrat.

 

The Significance of Somvati Amavas was narrated Yudhishtra by Bhisma in the Mahabharata. It is said that who ever takes a bath in the sacred rivers on the day would be prosperous, free of diseases and would be free from grief and sorrow. There is also a popular belief the soul of ancestors will rest in peace if children and relatives take a holy dip in the sacred rivers.

 

Married women take the holy dip for a happy married life and for the long life of their husbands. They also worship the pipal tree on the day. Somavara Amavasya Vrata (fasting) is observed for a long and happy married life by couples. Many devout Hindus also fast on the day and some people only have a single meal.

 

On the day thousands of people take a dip in Ganga at Haridwar, Triveni and other places.

Kanwar Mela

Feb. 28 Festivals of haridwar no comments

Kanwad/kanwar mela is celebrated in month of July/August. In this thousands of devotees from all over north india come to the city of haridwar to collect the holy water of Ganga.

During Kanwar Mela, pilgrims come to collect Ganga water to offer it to Lord Shiva.

Most of them come, collect water and go. They do not stay in Rishikesh as they often travel 100s of miles on foot to their places.

Just one thing, during Kanwar, Rishikesh/Haridwar remain very crowded. At this time going to any place from Rishikesh by road is not possible. Train Travel is the only possibility.