Water as a Social and Religious Tradition

Water has been given a high place in the socio-religious and cultural heritage of this country - a unique place. This special place is observed in the observance of various religious and cultural practices and the manner of organizing festivals. Water is such an essential liquid that has been used in various rituals and social practices since time immemorial. The tradition of imagining a metal or clay pitcher as a river and putting water in it is still prominent today. Water and fire are regarded as the 'divine witnesses' of all human activities. Because it is believed that water will remember all these things and will help in the realization of intentions. 

Various types of festivals and events centered around water have been in vogue in this country for ages. 'Punyasnan' (holy bath) is nothing new with millions flocking to the great rivers of India. Apart from the special areas, lately the miniature versions of these programs have reached the small towns and villages.

On these occasions, respect and thanks are offered to Lord Shiva, various prayers and rituals (pujas) are performed in the water of the river for the wish of green Earth. The 'Pushkaram' festival is celebrated at a particular time of the year based on sign of Jupiter (Rashi Brihaspati), centered on any of the twelve major rivers of India (Ganga, Narmada, Saraswati, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Bhima, Brahmaputra, Tungabhadra, Indas and Pranahita). Many of us know the story of Adipushkaram and Anthyapushkaram even the story of Shaktiman Pushkar associated with it. Let's have a look at some of the festivals celebrated around water in different states of Bharatvarsha (India).

Maha Kumbha Mela

The first name that comes to mind is 'Kumbhamela'. This is a fair of largest gathering of water symbolism. Religious people from different parts of the world gather at this fair. 'Ardhakumbha', 'Purnakumbha' and 'Mahakumbha' are held in every half of twelve years, twelve years, and square of twelve years, respectively. In certain places of Maharashtra, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, "Kumbha" (An Aquarius in which all the energies of creation are kept) is established. Also, the 'Maghamela' can be called the annual version of the Kumbhamela. 'Ganga Dasara Sagar' is another grand event associated with the story of the floating of the bones of King Sagar's sixty thousand children. This fair and event mainly organized keeping the river Ganga as a focal point.

Ganga Sagar Mela

The fair of 'Makara Sankranti' which is celebrated in present day West Bengal at the place where the river Ganga meets the Bay of Bengal. When the Sun transits from Sagittarius to Capricorn, many people take a dip in the Ganga estuary and take a 'Holy Bath'.  Maharishi Kapil's ashram is a special pilgrimage site associated with it.  

Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali

Thus, Kerala's ‘Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali’, Tamil Nadu's 'Aadi Perukku', Karnataka's 'Tulaskramana', Himachal's 'Minjar', Odisha's ‘Karthik Poornima Mela', Madhya Pradesh's 'Gangadashmi', Haryana's 'Teej Utsav' and ‘Chaitra Chaudas Mela' are some worth mentioning festivals connected to water. 

Chhath Puja

Bihar's 'Chhath' or ‘Surya Puja’ is a popular event associated with water. Besides, 'Yaosang' of Manipur, 'Ganga Mohotsav' of Uttar Pradesh and 'Rishi Panchami' of Gujarat have unique precedents.