Devotees Gather at Sangam for Shravan Amavasya
On Thursday, a large number of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, known as ‘Sangam’ in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This event took place on the occasion of Shravan Amavasya, a day considered highly significant in Hindu tradition. Taking a dip in the holy water during this time is believed to carry special spiritual benefits. Devotees engaged in chanting, penance, and making donations as part of their religious practices.
Despite recent flooding, the number of devotees arriving at the Sangam point has remained high since the early morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the weather in Prayagraj would be generally cloudy with occasional rain or thundershowers. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum will be around 27 degrees. Humidity levels are also high, reaching up to 90% during the day and 70% at night.
Across various states in India, Shravan Amavasya is being celebrated with great enthusiasm. In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, priests performed Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, and devotees offered prayers with folded hands. Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, people took a holy dip in the sea at Thoothukudi Port beach, praying for the peace of their ancestors and seeking their blessings.
This particular Amavasya, observed on July 24, 2025, is also known as “Hariyali Amavasya.” The name reflects the lush renewal of life during the monsoon season, symbolizing fertility, growth, and preparation for the future. According to Hindu tradition, Amavasya is a time for ancestral remembrance, and when it falls in Shravan, it carries added power and sanctity.
On this auspicious day, families perform rituals such as Tarpan and Shraddha to pay homage to their ancestors, seeking their blessings for peace and wellbeing. Many also choose to bathe in holy rivers like the Ganga, offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, observe fasting, donate to the needy, and participate in community rituals and temple visits.
Celebrations Across the Country
The celebrations of Shravan Amavasya were not limited to Prayagraj. In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, special prayers were conducted at the Shiv Temple of the Kailash Math. The city also saw a massive influx of visitors at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the most revered Jyotirlingas in India. Long queues of saffron-clad Kanwar pilgrims, many of whom had walked barefoot for days, lined the streets, waiting patiently to catch a glimpse of the deity. They offered their prayers on this spiritually significant day.
In Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, devotees flocked to the Shree Parshuram Pura Mahadev Mandir to offer their prayers. Devotees thronged the ancient premises from early morning, pouring holy water and milk over the Shivalinga, a ritual symbolic of purification and surrender to Lord Shiva.
Sawan Shivratri: A Day of Devotion
Yesterday, the sacred festival of Sawan Shivratri was celebrated with immense devotion across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. Thousands of devotees and Kanwar pilgrims gathered at prominent Shiva temples to offer prayers and perform rituals. This festival, observed during the holy month of Sawan, is considered one of the most auspicious days for worshipping Lord Shiva.
Devotees observe fasts, visit temples, and chant Shiva mantras, believing that this day holds the power to absolve sins and fulfill heartfelt desires. This year, Sawan began on July 11 and will conclude on August 9. It is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar and is considered one of the holiest periods for devotees of Shiva.
