Millions of devotees thronged sacred rivers and pilgrimage sites across India on Monday, 15 June 2025, marking Somvati Amavasya — the auspicious occasion when the New Moon falls on a Monday. From Rishikesh in the north to Ujjain in the west, worshippers gathered before dawn to take ritual baths, perform ancestral rites, and offer prayers for peace and spiritual well-being.

Scenes Across the Country

In Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, thousands assembled at Triveni Ghat to immerse themselves in the Ganga, perform prayers, and engage in acts of charity. At the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, large crowds participated in ritual bathing and religious ceremonies, with devotees making charitable donations considered especially meritorious on this day.

In Haryana's Jind district, pilgrims converged on the revered Pandu Pindara site from as early as 4 am. One devotee said, 'Somvati Amavasya holds immense religious significance. We reached here around 4 a.m. to take a holy dip and seek blessings.'

In Rajasthan's Dholpur district, thousands thronged the sacred Machkund pilgrimage site for ritual baths and prayers, adding to the nationwide wave of observance.

Over One Lakh at Narmadapuram's Sethani Ghat

Among the largest single gatherings was at Sethani Ghat in Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh, where more than one lakh devotees converged to bathe in the Narmada River. Authorities deployed extensive security and crowd-management measures to ensure the event proceeded smoothly. Separately, in Ujjain, thousands gathered along the Shipra River to perform ancestral rituals and offer prayers at Shiva temples. The occasion carried added significance this year as it coincided with the auspicious Adhik Maas period.

Religious Significance of Somvati Amavasya

Somvati Amavasya is regarded as one of the most powerful observances in Sanatan Dharma. It occurs when Amavasya — the New Moon day — falls on a Monday, a day sacred to Lord Shiva. The occasion is dedicated to honouring ancestors through rituals such as Pitru Tarpan and Pind Daan, and is widely considered beneficial for spiritual purification, charity, and self-reflection.

A saint at the Prayagraj Sangam noted, '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.' Among the 12 Amavasya observances in a year, Somvati Amavasya is considered especially potent, with devotees believing that sacred baths in rivers such as the Ganga, Narmada, and Shipra bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

What Devotees Said

Across sites, a common thread ran through the sentiments expressed by worshippers. 'It is believed that taking a holy bath and giving donations on this day brings spiritual merit and divine blessings,' said one devotee at the Prayagraj Sangam. The widespread participation — spanning multiple states and river banks — reflected the deep-rooted reverence this occasion commands in the Hindu religious calendar.

Looking Ahead

With the added spiritual weight of the Adhik Maas period this year, religious authorities expect continued high footfall at major pilgrimage sites through the coming weeks. Crowd-management and sanitation infrastructure at key ghats will remain under close watch by state administrations.