॥ శ్రీ గోదావర్యై నమః ॥ · Sri Godavari Devi ki Jai · 2027 Pushkaralu Full Details
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శ్రీ గోదావరి పుష్కరాలు 2027
Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 — dates, ghats, snanam, travel

Sariganga Snanam: How to Take the Holy Dip

సరిగంగా స్నానం

The holy dip is the centerpiece of the entire festival. But it is not meant to be a quick swim. It is a deliberate, mindful ritual. Here is how to do it properly, and how to stay safe in the water.

The belief is simple: during these twelve days, the Godavari holds the Pushkara. A single dip carries the spiritual weight of bathing in every holy river in India combined.

Because of this, the ghats will be packed. You will be surrounded by noise, pushing, and chanting. It is easy to get caught up in the rush to just get in and get out. But try to take a moment to center yourself before you enter the water.

Where to do it: The main bathing happens at Pushkar Ghat and Kotilingala Ghat in Rajahmundry. If you want a calm, quiet dip, go to Antarvedi Ghat in Konaseema.

A pilgrim taking the holy dip in the Godavari river at sunrise

Quick Facts

Best Time
4:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Direction
Face East
Immersions
3 times
Best Ghats
Pushkar, Kotilingala
Water Depth
Waist to chest deep
❁ ❁ ❁
The Ritual

The 3 Immersions

Tradition dictates taking three full dips. Each one has a specific meaning.

How to take the dip

1. Enter Facing East
Walk into the water facing the eastern direction (towards the rising sun). This is considered auspicious.
2. The First Dip
Go under the water completely once. This is symbolic of cleansing the physical body of impurities.
3. The Second Dip
Go under a second time. This is for cleansing the mind of negative thoughts and ego.
4. The Third Dip
Go under a third time. This is the final offering of your soul, seeking spiritual liberation.
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Before you go

What to wear and carry

What to Wear

Do not wear heavy jeans or thick clothing. When wet, they become incredibly heavy and make it difficult to climb the stone steps. Stick to light cotton. Men can wear a dhoti or shorts. Women can wear a sari, salwar kameez, or a quick-dry outfit. Do not wear your best clothes; they will get stained by the river silt.

The Mantra

If you do not know the long Sanskrit mantras, you can simply chant "Om Namo Godavari" or "Om Namo Narayanaya" in your mind as you take the three dips. The intention matters more than perfect pronunciation.

What to carry

Carry a dry towel and a change of clothes in a waterproof bag. Better yet, use the free lockers at the major ghats. Do not carry your phone, wallet, or gold jewelry into the water. The river has taken thousands of phones over the years.

Common questions

Holy Dip FAQs

Can I wear glasses into the water?
If you need them to see, use a tight strap to secure them, or take them off just before the immersion and hand them to a family member. If they fall into the river, they are gone forever.
How deep is the water?
At the main ghats, the steps go down deep, but you only need to go waist-deep to take the immersion. Do not walk further out where the current is strong.
Is it safe for children?
With strict supervision. Hold their hands at all times. It is safer to take small children to a calmer ghat like Antarvedi rather than the main Rajahmundry ghats.