Millions gather at Indian rivers for Somvati Amavasya religious rites

On Monday, devotees across India converged on holy rivers and pilgrimage sites to observe Somvati Amavasya, a sacred New Moon falling on a Monday. Thousands bathed at Rishikesh's Triveni Ghat on the Ganga, while large crowds assembled at Pandu Pindara in Haryana's Jind district and at the Machkund site in Rajasthan's Dholpur district. In Madhya Pradesh, more than one lakh worshippers gathered at Sethani Ghat on the Narmada River in Narmadapuram, and at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Ujjain saw thousands line the Shipra River for ancestral rites. Authorities deployed extensive security and crowd‑management measures.

Participants performed rituals such as Pitru Tarpan and Pind Daan, offered charitable donations, and expressed hopes for peace and prosperity. A devotee told IANS, “Somvati Amavasya holds immense religious significance. We reached here around 4 a.m. to take a holy dip and seek blessings.” A saint at the Sangam said, “This is a sacred period in the Hindu calendar. Even those who could not perform religious rituals earlier can attain spiritual benefits by taking a holy bath today.” The day is regarded as one of the most powerful observances in Sanatan Dharma, believed to bring spiritual purification and merit.