Gangajal Guide
On which occasions is Gangajal used?
Gangajal is used at almost every Hindu sacred occasion — daily puja, griha pravesh, Diwali and other festivals, weddings, and shradh and last rites — to purify people, idols and spaces. A few drops sanctify any ritual.
Festivals and ceremonies
- Diwali and Lakshmi puja
- Navratri and Durga puja
- Maha Shivratri — abhishek of the Shivling
- Janmashtami and Ram Navami
- Satyanarayan katha and havan
- Weddings and the sacred-thread ceremony
Home and life occasions
- Griha pravesh — blessing a new home
- Naming and mundan ceremonies
- Vehicle or shop opening puja
- Daily aachman and sandhya
- Vrat and sankalp
Shradh and last rites
Gangajal is essential in shradh, tarpan and asthi visarjan; a few drops are placed in the mouth and used through the rites.
FAQ
Is Gangajal used on Diwali? +
Yes. Gangajal is sprinkled to purify the home and used in Lakshmi puja on Diwali.
Is Gangajal used in griha pravesh? +
Yes. Sprinkling Gangajal through a new home is a traditional way to purify and bless it during griha pravesh.
Is Gangajal used in shradh and last rites? +
Yes. Gangajal is offered during shradh, tarpan and asthi visarjan as part of the rites.