Haridwar हरिद्वार

Haridwar means the gateway to Hari, or Vishnu, and is the point where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills and flows onto the plains. Traditional accounts say it is one of the four places where drops of nectar fell during the churning of the ocean, which is the reason the Kumbh Mela is held here at set intervals. Many pilgrims begin the Himalayan temple circuit from this town, and for others it is the place where immersion of ashes is performed.

Har Ki Pauri is the central bathing ghat and the stage for the evening Ganga aarti, when lamps float on the water. Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi stand on hills above the town and are goddess temples reached by climbing paths or by cable car. Daksh Mahadev in the neighbouring Kankhal area is linked to the story of Daksha's sacrifice and Sati, a central episode in Shaiva tradition. Besides the Kumbh, Kanwar Yatra in the month of Shravan and Ganga Dussehra are important times when the town fills with pilgrims. The river here can run cold and fast, so bathers are advised to use chains or railings provided at the ghats and avoid deep water. Modest clothing is expected, and phone use during aarti is common but may be limited inside shrines.