Haridwar

Haridwar, also referred to as “Gateway to the Gods”, is a holy town located in the foothills of the Himalayas. The River Ganges exits the mountains and enters the Indo-Gangetic plains, in the state of Uttarakhand, India.

Hindus revere Haridwar as one of their seven sacred places, and ancient Hindu scriptures mention it. Here’s why Haridwar is an important pilgrimage site:

• Religious Significance: Hindus believe that a dip in the Ganges at Haridwar washes away sins and aids in attaining salvation. The sacred ghats (bathing steps) along the Ganges, particularly Har Ki Pauri, are a major draw for pilgrims. Every evening, a spectacular Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) with flickering lamps is performed here.
• Gateway to Char Dham: serves as the gateway to the Char Dham, the four sacred pilgrimage sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, all nestled in the Himalayas.
• Kumbh Mela: Every 12 years, Haridwar joins Nashik, Ujjain, and Prayagraj as one of the four places that celebrate the massive Hindu pilgrimage and festival, the Kumbh Mela.

Here are some other interesting things about Haridwar:

• The city is famous for its Ayurvedic centers and traditional forms of healing.
• Haridwar is a vegetarian city, and no meat is allowed within the city limits.
• The city also serves as a base for exploring the nearby hill stations of Rishikesh and Mussoorie.