June: Care for Water

Inspired by Ganga Dussehra

Water is part of so many ordinary moments: a morning shower, a cup of tea, a thirsty plant finally getting a drink.

This June, inspired by Ganga Dussehra, let’s pause to appreciate it—and turn that gratitude into a little everyday care.

learn & recite

गङ्गे च यमुने चैव गोदावरि सरस्वति ।
नर्मदे सिन्धु कावेरि जलेऽस्मिन् सन्निधिं कुरु ॥
Gange cha Yamune chaiva, Godavari Sarasvati,
Narmade Sindhu Kaveri, jale’smin sannidhim kuru.

“O Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Sarasvati, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaveri—be present in this water.”

This traditional bathing mantra invokes seven sacred rivers, inviting their presence into the water before us.

Recite it before bathing, with the tap turned off. Let an everyday routine begin with a moment of gratitude.

your affirmation

“I receive water with gratitude and use it with care.”

Say it after the mantra, and carry that thought into the small choices you make throughout the day.

try this: give gratitude a practical job

Choose one water-saving habit to practice this month:

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
Make your shower a little shorter.
Use leftover drinking water for a plant that needs it.

Place a small reminder near the tap: a blue paper droplet with the words “Every drop deserves care.”

Trying this as a family? Learn the river names together and find them on a map. Each person can choose a habit to practice. Appointing a household “tap detective” is optional—and may result in enthusiastic supervision.

a little gratitude, every day

Before bathing, recite the mantra and repeat your affirmation. Then ask:

“How can I care for the water I use today?”

At the end of the month, notice which habit has become easier to remember.